2026 Sam's Last Stand

Sam's Last Stand is an ultra-distance trail running event scheduled for February 28, 2026, in Cleveland, Texas, taking place within the Sam Houston National Forest. The race spans 96.1 miles along the Lone Star Hiking Trail, a challenging point-to-point course that features singletrack through dense pine and magnolia forests, creek crossings, and limited road sections. The event is designed for experienced runners, with a 36-hour time limit and a field size restricted to 25 participants. The weather in Cleveland on the event date is expected to be mild, with daytime temperatures ranging from 45°F to 55°F and minimal precipitation. Participants should prepare for variable conditions, including potential rain and cooler nighttime temperatures.

What is the distance of the Sam's Last Stand event?

• →96.1 miles

What is the time limit for the Sam's Last Stand event?

• →36 hours

How many runners are allowed in the Sam's Last Stand event?

• →Limited to 25 runners

What type of terrain will runners encounter during the Sam's Last Stand event?

• →Singletrack trail through towering pines and magnolias
• →Crossing trickling creeks
• →Some road sections where runners must stay on the left side facing traffic

What environmental hazards should runners be aware of during the Sam's Last Stand event?

• →Curious local wildlife
• →Spiderwebs
• →Poison ivy
• →Hogs
• →Coyotes
• →Potentially aggressive farm dogs

What navigation tools are required for the Sam's Last Stand event?

• →All runners must have the route loaded on their phone (GAIA GPS recommended) and show proof at bib pickup or start
• →The trail is mostly marked with 2" x 4" aluminum markers and wooden directional signs
• →Do not follow markers with colored bands (these are connecting trails)

What are the start and finish locations for the Sam's Last Stand event?

• →Start: LSHT Trailhead 1 (Western Terminus)
• →Finish: LSHT Trailhead 15 (Near Cleveland)

What are the bib pickup times for the Sam's Last Stand event?

• →Early Bib Pickup: Thursday, Feb 26 | 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM | Ladybirds, 5519 Allen St, Houston
• →Race Day Pickup: Saturday, Feb 28 | 5:00 AM – 6:00 AM | LSHT Trailhead 1

What is the schedule for the Sam's Last Stand event?

• →Shuttle to Start: Saturday, Feb 28 | 4:30 AM (Leaves LSHT TH 15 for those without crew)
• →Race Start: Saturday, Feb 28 | 6:00 AM
• →Race Cutoff: Sunday, Feb 29 | 6:00 PM

What are the rules and requirements for the Sam's Last Stand event?

• →Leave No Trace (LNT) is strictly enforced. Failure to comply results in immediate disqualification
• →Carry all trash or seal it in drop bags (no trash bags at waypoints)
• →Solid human waste & toilet paper must be bagged and carried OR deposited in a cathole 6-8" deep (200 ft from water/camps/trails) and covered
• →Timing: Gun time is used. Finishes are manually logged

How much does registration cost for the Sam's Last Stand event?

• →Small fee applies (covers water caches and LSHT patch). Leftover funds donated to LSHT Club

What support and aid is available during the Sam's Last Stand event?

• →Water: Minimal water provided at waypoints (1-gallon jugs). You must bring your own container. Water is for drinking only (no pouring over body)
• →Drop Bags: Allowed at all waypoints. Small: Quart-sized freezer bag. Large: Up to 1.5 gal / 6L bag
• →Pacers: Allowed starting at Mile 20 (Stubblefield). One pacer per runner at a time. Pacers can mule gear and use waypoint water but cannot have their own drop bags
• →Crew: Allowed starting at Mile 20 (Stubblefield). Limit 1 vehicle per runner. Must leave 3 spots open at trailhead lots for hikers. No driving alongside runners on road sections. No occupying campsites at Stubblefield unless reserved

What gear is recommended for the Sam's Last Stand event?

• →Rain jacket or poncho
• →Gloves
• →Beanie
• →500 extra calories
• →Personal water container (mandatory for aid stations)

What are the current course records for the Sam's Last Stand event?

• →Male: 19:13:05 (Jacob Cooper, December 2020)
• →Female: 22:18:55 (Regina Massingill, January 2021)