location_city Leander
location_on Texas
flag United States
calendar_today 23 May, 2026
directions_run Running
language Official Website
Register"So, the last shall be first, and the first last"
Nestled in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, our event takes place in Lago Vista, just 30 miles northwest of Austin. The course winds around a peninsula jutting into Lake Travis, offering stunning water views and the natural beauty of Central Texas. Experience the perfect blend of challenging terrain and breathtaking landscapes that will keep you motivated hour after hour.
Join us for the inaugural Austin's Backyard Marathon & Memorial Day Remembrance Run, a unique endurance event that allows you to push your limits in the beautiful Hill Country. This officially sanctioned Backyard Ultra is not just a race — it's a test of mental fortitude, strategic pacing, and physical endurance that will challenge you in ways you've never experienced.
This is an officially sanctioned Backyard Ultra. Complete each 4.167-mile loop within 60 minutes to continue. A new loop starts at the top of each hour.
Following our successful 2025 inaugural event, we are working toward Bronze Ticket qualifying status for 2026. Check back for updates on our certification progress!
While the last runner standing wins the overall championship and qualifying spot, you're welcome to participate according to your own goals. Many runners choose to complete a specific number of loops rather than competing in the last-person-standing challenge.
You'll earn recognition based on your achievement: Complete 1 loop (4-miles) for a woodallion, 4 loops for half marathon medal, 7 loops for marathon medal, or 8+ loops for ultra medal. Simply notify race staff when you've reached your personal goal.
13.1 miles
26.2 miles
31 miles
50 miles
62 miles
100 miles
During daylight hours, runners will navigate the southern part of the park. This loop winds around a peninsula jutting into Lake Travis, through more densely wooded areas with water views. The southern course follows the natural contours of the lake, with numerous bends and turns that prevent monotony.
As darkness falls, the competition shifts to the northern section of the park. This nighttime challenge presents a completely different set of obstacles and terrain, forcing runners to adapt their strategies and pacing. This course switch adds a fascinating tactical element to the race, especially for those pushing well into the night hours.
"This variation in terrain—from exposed shoreline paths to shaded forest sections, and from day to night routes—will provide crucial diversity over extended hours of running. The course change also gives runners a mental reset at the 12-hour mark, which can be psychologically significant in a format that tests mental endurance as much as physical stamina."
Complete at least one loop
Complete 4 loops (13.1 miles)
Complete 7 loops (26.2 miles)
Complete 8+ loops (33.336+ miles)
Overall winner + Bronze Ticket
Access to this unique endurance challenge in the Texas Hill Country
Commemorative shirt to remember your achievement
Earn a medal by completing at least one loop
Fully stocked aid stations to keep you going hour after hour
Join us for this unique endurance challenge in the beautiful Texas Hill Country. How many loops can you complete?
May 23, 2026
Distance — Half-Marathon
Type — Road running
143 days remaining
May 23, 2026
Distance — Marathon
Type — Road running
143 days remaining
May 23, 2026
Distance — Ultra
Type — Road running
143 days remaining
These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for May in Leander.
Leander is a city in Williamson and Travis Counties, Texas, United States. Its population was 59,202 at the 2020 census and 87,511 at the 2024 census estimate. A suburb just north of Austin, and part of the Greater Austin metropolitan area, it was the fastest-growing city in the United States between 2018 and 2019.
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location_on Leander, Texas, US
calendar_today Jan 03, 2026
location_on Leander, Texas, US
calendar_today Mar 07, 2026
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