Big Bastrop Backyard Ultra
- Date Fri 31st December 2027
- Time 7:00AM CST
- Location Bastrop, Texas
- Price $144.10
- Races 1 race
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Event summary
Get ready for an exhilarating challenge at the Big Bastrop Backyard Ultra, taking place on Friday, December 31, 2027, at Lake Bastrop, Texas! This unique event invites runners to embrace the spirit of perseverance as they tackle a 4.167-mile loop every hour, competing in the ultimate "Last One Standing" format. As the sun rises over the beautiful Lost Pines, participants will begin their journey at 7:00 AM, racing against the clock until only one runner remains, with the chance to ring in the New Year with a solo victory lap at midnight!
With the first edition already recognized with Bronze Ticket status, the Big Bastrop Backyard Ultra is part of the Texas Backyard Ultra Series, offering runners an unforgettable experience amidst stunning lakeside views and forest trails. As you gear up for this exciting New Year's Eve challenge, remember that it's not about speed; it's about pacing yourself and enjoying the journey. Join us at Lake Bastrop and discover how far you can go—one loop at a time!
With the first edition already recognized with Bronze Ticket status, the Big Bastrop Backyard Ultra is part of the Texas Backyard Ultra Series, offering runners an unforgettable experience amidst stunning lakeside views and forest trails. As you gear up for this exciting New Year's Eve challenge, remember that it's not about speed; it's about pacing yourself and enjoying the journey. Join us at Lake Bastrop and discover how far you can go—one loop at a time!
Organiser's Description
BIG BASTROP BACKYARD ULTRA
Lake Bastrop, Texas Friday, December 31, 2027
Run out the year. Run in the next one.
LAST ONE STANDING 4.167 MILES EVERY HOUR
BRONZE TICKET RACE
THE LAST RACE OF THE YEAR
The second Big Bastrop Backyard Ultra starts on the morning of New Year's Eve and runs under the lost pines until one runner is left. Start in 2027. If you're still in the corral when the midnight bell rings, you start yard 18 in 2028.
Our first edition in October 2026 was awarded BRONZE TICKET status by Big's Backyard Ultra. Every result is posted to the official Big's results database, and every runner gets a certificate of achievement. Big Bastrop is also part of THE LAST FRONTIER CIRCUIT [https://runsignup.com/Series/texasbackyardultra], the Texas Backyard Ultra Series.
[Race photo 1][Race photo 2][Race photo 6][Race photo 7][Race photo 8][Race photo 9]
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2027
New Year's Eve at Lake Bastrop
THE BIG BASTROP BACKYARD ULTRA
YOU'LL NEVER KNOW HOW FAR YOU'LL GO... UNTIL YOU SHOW.
START: 7:00 AM | DISTANCE: 4.167-mile loop | FORMAT: Last One Standing. One loop. One hour. Last runner standing wins. Are you in?
You'll run the Gideon Loop from Basecamp through a short winter day and a long night. The first loop starts before sunrise (around 7:30 AM), so bring a headlamp to the start line. Sunset falls around 5:45 PM, during yard 11. Night gear is mandatory from the 5:00 PM bell. The midnight bell starts yard 18 and the new year.
[Big Bastrop Backyard Ultra]
To win, the last runner must start the final yard alone and finish it inside the hour: a solo victory lap. If two or more runners start a yard and only one makes it back in time, that runner goes out once more, alone, to claim the win.
_PAID BY THE MILE:_
The last runner standing receives an event champion's trophy and a check for _$2 PER MILE_ covered, rounded to the nearest dollar. The winner also earns a _COMPLIMENTARY ENTRY TO THE NEXT RACE_ on The Last Frontier Circuit. Prize money is awarded to an official winner only (final loop started and completed solo). Entry is non-transferable; if the winner is already registered for that race, they receive a credit they can apply to a future race or merch.
[Big Bastrop Backyard Ultra]
How many loops are in your software? Come find out. You can get there just by showing up and taking it one loop at a time:
1 Loop: 4.167 miles (A great trail run)
2 Loops: 8.33 miles (A major personal milestone)
3 Loops: 12.5 miles (Essentially a trail half marathon)
4 Loops: 16.67 miles (Uncharted territory)
24 Loops: 100 miles (One full day)
_YOU DON'T NEED TO BE FAST. YOU JUST HAVE TO MOVE 4.167 MILES IN 60 MINUTES. THAT IS A VERY DOABLE 14:23-PER-MILE PACE_.
You can briskly walk the uphills, jog the flats, and still make it back to the starting corral with 5 to 10 minutes to spare to sit in a chair, eat a snack, and get warm.
_IT'S NOT A SPEED RACE. IT'S A PACING GAME._
Run until you can't. Then run one more.
IMPORTANT RACE FORMAT NOTE: _The Big Bastrop Backyard Ultra starts promptly at 7:00 AM and has no time limit. The race continues until one runner completes a solo victory lap. The race director may pause or end the race at any time for runner safety._
_THE TEXAS BACKYARD SERIES PASS OPTIONS_
Want the full circuit experience? Choose a Bundle during checkout to unlock contender privileges:
* Mailed Legacy Bib: Your permanent number for the entire season, shipped straight to your door. Zero race-day lines (must be registered at least 3 weeks before the first race day for guaranteed delivery).
* Priority Crew Pit Setup: Premium space closest to the starting corral at all venues.
* Injury Deferral Insurance: Clean, hassle-free single-race transfers if your training block gets sidelined.
A BACKYARD ULTRA IS WON AT THE REST CHAIR, NOT THE STARTING LINE. CLICK _HERE [https://open.substack.com/pub/fitfoundation/p/week-1-welcome-to-the-loop?r=2rcg7v&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web]_ TO SUBSCRIBE TO OUR FREE WEEKLY NEWSLETTER: TRAINING PLANS, PACING STRATEGY, AND THE MENTAL PLAYBOOK FOR THE BELL. EVERY WEDNESDAY, STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.
_Course: 1x Gideon Loop via Swift Trail. Aid stations every 2.1 miles, full support at start/finish._
THE LOBLOLLY REDEMPTION
Miss the bell on the main course and your race isn't over. It's different. Walk to the Loblolly corral, and at the next bell you start the 5.1 km Loblolly Loop with everyone else who got dropped. Same bell, smaller loop, new field. Last person standing wins. You can't register for the Redemption. You can only be sent there. Click _HERE [https://runsignup.com/Race/BigBastropBackyardUltra/Page/Loblolly-Redemption]_ for the full rules.
THE COURSE
THE GIDEON LOOP
The loop runs on the trails of Lake Bastrop South Shore Park, with rolling terrain, moderate elevation changes, and a mix of single-track and wider trail sections.
Towering loblolly pines shade much of the course. Lakeside stretches give you water views, and interior sections wind through quiet forest that feels very different after dark.
[Big Bastrop Backyard Ultra course] [Big Bastrop Backyard Ultra course] [Big Bastrop Backyard Ultra course] [Big Bastrop Backyard Ultra course]
COURSE HIGHLIGHTS
* LOOP: 4.167 miles, about 141 feet of elevation gain per loop
* TRAIL TYPE: Mix of single-track and wider trails
* VIEWS: Lake Bastrop overlooks and the Lost Pines
* AID STATIONS: Every 2.1 miles, full support at start/finish
* NIGHT RUNNING: Most of the race runs in the dark. Headlamp and backup light required.
* SAFETY: Well-marked with high-visibility trail markers
EVERY REGISTRATION INCLUDES
CUSTOM FINISHER AWARD
RACE SHIRT
Guaranteed if registered by December 1
OFFICIAL BIG'S RESULT AND CERTIFICATE
FULLY STOCKED AID STATIONS
Water, electrolytes, fuel, hot food overnight
MEDICAL SUPPORT
RACE PHOTOGRAPHY
Free digital downloads
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED
LCRA PARK CAMPING (RESERVE SEPARATELY THROUGH LCRA PARKS)
Overnight lodging
Crew fees (crews must purchase a day-use park pass)
EVENT LOGISTICS
PACKET PICKUP
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 30: 6:00 PM to 6:45 PM
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 31 (RACE MORNING): 6:00 AM to 6:45 AM
LOCATION: Lake Bastrop South Shore Park Pavilion
SPECTATORS AND CREW
Friends, family and crew are welcome to come cheer, and the midnight bell is a good one to be there for.
Lake Bastrop South Shore Park requires a park entry fee for all non-registered spectators and crew. Passes can be purchased in advance through our race store.
Click here [https://runsignup.com/Race/Store/TX/MarbleFalls/TrailsByMoonlightOnLakeTravisHarvestMoon] to purchase a Spectator Park Entry Pass.
PARKING & DIRECTIONS
START/FINISH AREA: Lake Bastrop South Shore Park
Free parking at the venue for registered runners. Arrive at least 45 minutes before the start.
The race guide will be emailed one week before the event.
WEATHER & CONTINGENCY
Late December in Bastrop is usually mild by day and cold at night, with highs often in the 60s and overnight lows that can drop into the 30s. Plan for warm layers, dry clothes for the night, and a cold-weather setup at your chair.
In case of severe weather, the event may be:
* Moved to an earlier or later start time
* Postponed to a later date
* Paused or ended early for runner safety
A decision will be made 24 hours before the scheduled start and communicated by email and social media.
REFUND & TRANSFER POLICY
* NO REFUNDS; TRANSFERS AT THE RACE DIRECTOR'S DISCRETION
* WEATHER CANCELLATION: RUNNERS RECEIVE CREDIT TOWARD A FUTURE BACKYARD ULTRA ON OUR EVENT CALENDAR.
RING IN 2028 ON THE TRAIL
One loop. One hour. One runner left standing. See you at the bell on December 31.
REGISTER NOW
Lake Bastrop, Texas Friday, December 31, 2027
Run out the year. Run in the next one.
LAST ONE STANDING 4.167 MILES EVERY HOUR
BRONZE TICKET RACE
THE LAST RACE OF THE YEAR
The second Big Bastrop Backyard Ultra starts on the morning of New Year's Eve and runs under the lost pines until one runner is left. Start in 2027. If you're still in the corral when the midnight bell rings, you start yard 18 in 2028.
Our first edition in October 2026 was awarded BRONZE TICKET status by Big's Backyard Ultra. Every result is posted to the official Big's results database, and every runner gets a certificate of achievement. Big Bastrop is also part of THE LAST FRONTIER CIRCUIT [https://runsignup.com/Series/texasbackyardultra], the Texas Backyard Ultra Series.
[Race photo 1][Race photo 2][Race photo 6][Race photo 7][Race photo 8][Race photo 9]
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2027
New Year's Eve at Lake Bastrop
THE BIG BASTROP BACKYARD ULTRA
YOU'LL NEVER KNOW HOW FAR YOU'LL GO... UNTIL YOU SHOW.
START: 7:00 AM | DISTANCE: 4.167-mile loop | FORMAT: Last One Standing. One loop. One hour. Last runner standing wins. Are you in?
You'll run the Gideon Loop from Basecamp through a short winter day and a long night. The first loop starts before sunrise (around 7:30 AM), so bring a headlamp to the start line. Sunset falls around 5:45 PM, during yard 11. Night gear is mandatory from the 5:00 PM bell. The midnight bell starts yard 18 and the new year.
[Big Bastrop Backyard Ultra]
To win, the last runner must start the final yard alone and finish it inside the hour: a solo victory lap. If two or more runners start a yard and only one makes it back in time, that runner goes out once more, alone, to claim the win.
_PAID BY THE MILE:_
The last runner standing receives an event champion's trophy and a check for _$2 PER MILE_ covered, rounded to the nearest dollar. The winner also earns a _COMPLIMENTARY ENTRY TO THE NEXT RACE_ on The Last Frontier Circuit. Prize money is awarded to an official winner only (final loop started and completed solo). Entry is non-transferable; if the winner is already registered for that race, they receive a credit they can apply to a future race or merch.
[Big Bastrop Backyard Ultra]
How many loops are in your software? Come find out. You can get there just by showing up and taking it one loop at a time:
1 Loop: 4.167 miles (A great trail run)
2 Loops: 8.33 miles (A major personal milestone)
3 Loops: 12.5 miles (Essentially a trail half marathon)
4 Loops: 16.67 miles (Uncharted territory)
24 Loops: 100 miles (One full day)
_YOU DON'T NEED TO BE FAST. YOU JUST HAVE TO MOVE 4.167 MILES IN 60 MINUTES. THAT IS A VERY DOABLE 14:23-PER-MILE PACE_.
You can briskly walk the uphills, jog the flats, and still make it back to the starting corral with 5 to 10 minutes to spare to sit in a chair, eat a snack, and get warm.
_IT'S NOT A SPEED RACE. IT'S A PACING GAME._
Run until you can't. Then run one more.
IMPORTANT RACE FORMAT NOTE: _The Big Bastrop Backyard Ultra starts promptly at 7:00 AM and has no time limit. The race continues until one runner completes a solo victory lap. The race director may pause or end the race at any time for runner safety._
_THE TEXAS BACKYARD SERIES PASS OPTIONS_
Want the full circuit experience? Choose a Bundle during checkout to unlock contender privileges:
* Mailed Legacy Bib: Your permanent number for the entire season, shipped straight to your door. Zero race-day lines (must be registered at least 3 weeks before the first race day for guaranteed delivery).
* Priority Crew Pit Setup: Premium space closest to the starting corral at all venues.
* Injury Deferral Insurance: Clean, hassle-free single-race transfers if your training block gets sidelined.
A BACKYARD ULTRA IS WON AT THE REST CHAIR, NOT THE STARTING LINE. CLICK _HERE [https://open.substack.com/pub/fitfoundation/p/week-1-welcome-to-the-loop?r=2rcg7v&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web]_ TO SUBSCRIBE TO OUR FREE WEEKLY NEWSLETTER: TRAINING PLANS, PACING STRATEGY, AND THE MENTAL PLAYBOOK FOR THE BELL. EVERY WEDNESDAY, STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.
_Course: 1x Gideon Loop via Swift Trail. Aid stations every 2.1 miles, full support at start/finish._
THE LOBLOLLY REDEMPTION
Miss the bell on the main course and your race isn't over. It's different. Walk to the Loblolly corral, and at the next bell you start the 5.1 km Loblolly Loop with everyone else who got dropped. Same bell, smaller loop, new field. Last person standing wins. You can't register for the Redemption. You can only be sent there. Click _HERE [https://runsignup.com/Race/BigBastropBackyardUltra/Page/Loblolly-Redemption]_ for the full rules.
THE COURSE
THE GIDEON LOOP
The loop runs on the trails of Lake Bastrop South Shore Park, with rolling terrain, moderate elevation changes, and a mix of single-track and wider trail sections.
Towering loblolly pines shade much of the course. Lakeside stretches give you water views, and interior sections wind through quiet forest that feels very different after dark.
[Big Bastrop Backyard Ultra course] [Big Bastrop Backyard Ultra course] [Big Bastrop Backyard Ultra course] [Big Bastrop Backyard Ultra course]
COURSE HIGHLIGHTS
* LOOP: 4.167 miles, about 141 feet of elevation gain per loop
* TRAIL TYPE: Mix of single-track and wider trails
* VIEWS: Lake Bastrop overlooks and the Lost Pines
* AID STATIONS: Every 2.1 miles, full support at start/finish
* NIGHT RUNNING: Most of the race runs in the dark. Headlamp and backup light required.
* SAFETY: Well-marked with high-visibility trail markers
EVERY REGISTRATION INCLUDES
CUSTOM FINISHER AWARD
RACE SHIRT
Guaranteed if registered by December 1
OFFICIAL BIG'S RESULT AND CERTIFICATE
FULLY STOCKED AID STATIONS
Water, electrolytes, fuel, hot food overnight
MEDICAL SUPPORT
RACE PHOTOGRAPHY
Free digital downloads
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED
LCRA PARK CAMPING (RESERVE SEPARATELY THROUGH LCRA PARKS)
Overnight lodging
Crew fees (crews must purchase a day-use park pass)
EVENT LOGISTICS
PACKET PICKUP
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 30: 6:00 PM to 6:45 PM
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 31 (RACE MORNING): 6:00 AM to 6:45 AM
LOCATION: Lake Bastrop South Shore Park Pavilion
SPECTATORS AND CREW
Friends, family and crew are welcome to come cheer, and the midnight bell is a good one to be there for.
Lake Bastrop South Shore Park requires a park entry fee for all non-registered spectators and crew. Passes can be purchased in advance through our race store.
Click here [https://runsignup.com/Race/Store/TX/MarbleFalls/TrailsByMoonlightOnLakeTravisHarvestMoon] to purchase a Spectator Park Entry Pass.
PARKING & DIRECTIONS
START/FINISH AREA: Lake Bastrop South Shore Park
Free parking at the venue for registered runners. Arrive at least 45 minutes before the start.
The race guide will be emailed one week before the event.
WEATHER & CONTINGENCY
Late December in Bastrop is usually mild by day and cold at night, with highs often in the 60s and overnight lows that can drop into the 30s. Plan for warm layers, dry clothes for the night, and a cold-weather setup at your chair.
In case of severe weather, the event may be:
* Moved to an earlier or later start time
* Postponed to a later date
* Paused or ended early for runner safety
A decision will be made 24 hours before the scheduled start and communicated by email and social media.
REFUND & TRANSFER POLICY
* NO REFUNDS; TRANSFERS AT THE RACE DIRECTOR'S DISCRETION
* WEATHER CANCELLATION: RUNNERS RECEIVE CREDIT TOWARD A FUTURE BACKYARD ULTRA ON OUR EVENT CALENDAR.
RING IN 2028 ON THE TRAIL
One loop. One hour. One runner left standing. See you at the bell on December 31.
REGISTER NOW
Races
-
Big Bastrop Backyard Ultra (Last Runner Standing)
Incl. $9.10 Fee & T-Shirt
Fri 31st December 2027 (7:00AM CST)
$144.10
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Location
375 South Shore Rd., Bastrop, 78602, TX, United States
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Big Bastrop Backyard Ultra
