No Man's Land Trail Run
About the race
In 1803, the United States purchased 530 million acres of land from France. Before that, Spanish-controlled Texas and French-controlled Louisiana had a long disputed history over their territorial border. To avoid military action with Spain, the U.S. proposed a "No Man's Land" where neither country had jurisdiction.
Sam Houston Jones State Park follows the Calcasieu River, which is the eastern border of what used to be "No Man's Land", giving the trail run its name. With no ruling government, pirates like Jean Lafitte used No Man's Land as a base of operations. Local legend says his treasure is hidden somewhere along the Contraband Bayou or Calcasieu River.
By 1821 the U.S. had formally ratified the Adams–Onís Treaty, marking the border at the more western Sabine River, where the Texas-Louisiana border is today.
Aid stations and restrooms
- Aid Station 1: start/finish pavilion, manned, fully furnished aid, with on-site and portable restroom options
- Aid Station 2: mile 4, manned with water, electrolytes and snacks. Closes at 5:00 P.M.
Because of the remote location, a restroom cannot be brought out to the second aid station. Please plan accordingly.
New for 2026
A "No-Medal" option is the default to help you save a few dollars. To get a medal, you must check the box for a medal added onto your registration when you sign up. The medal will be the same as in previous years. Returning runners who want an additional medal may add one.
Every year a newly designed enamel pin is included for every runner, representing your finisher medal.
- 2024: the LaFeet Running logo
- 2025: a skull and crossbones
- 2026: a gator with the text "Here, the Ground Bites Back"
After a few years, returning runners can have a lanyard adorned with the pins from every year of the race.
Previous race names and history
From 2016 to 2019 this race was produced under the Danimal race name. The course is slightly different now due to trail changes after Hurricane Laura.
From 2020 to 2023, the race did not happen due to hurricane damage and park renovations.
Race schedule and packet pickup
Packet pickup
- Friday October 16: Sam Houston Jones State Park Pavilion, 12:00pm to 6:00pm
- Race day: 6:30am to 7:30am
When you arrive at the park, let the rangers know you are here for the race. Entry fees are covered for participants only.
Race day
- 7:45: mandatory pre-race meeting
- 8:00am: start time for all distances
- 6:00pm: 10-hour cutoff
If entrants exceed expectations, the 8-mile start time may be pushed back by 15 minutes.
Accommodation
There are plenty of hotels nearby in the greater Lake Charles area, including Westlake, Sulphur and Moss Bluff.
Sam Houston Jones State Park offers cabins and RV spots, which can be booked through the state park website.
Pacers
Pacers are only allowed for the 50K race, and only for the final 2 loops. Each runner may have only 1 pacer at a time.
- No muling: runners must carry their own hydration, food and other supplies
- Pacers need a "pacer" race bib, picked up at packet pickup
Awards and timing
- Top three male and top three female finishers in each distance receive awards
- One DFL (Dead Flipping Last) award per distance, given to the person who enjoyed the course the longest
- No age group awards
The race is manually timed. Podium finishers must be able to supply proof of completion (GPX, Garmin, Strava, etc.) to the race director upon request, or be subject to time penalty or disqualification.
Dropping to a shorter distance
- Before the race: notify us as soon as you know you need to drop, and no later than the start of the race
- On race morning: notify the race directors before the start
- During the race without notifying us: you receive a finisher's medal for the distance completed but are not eligible for podium awards
Cancellation policy
Athletes can cancel their registration, but no refund is given.
No refunds. No rollovers to the next year. No transfers to another person.
The course
50K
25K
7.78 Miles
The course is a loop around the perimeter of Sam Houston Jones State Park. It begins on the Riverwalk Trail and follows several park trails before returning along the river to the boardwalk at the start. The course is well marked with flags and arrows at every turn. One loop has approximately 125 feet of elevation gain and descent, mostly rolling hills on the blue trail, with many roots, twists and turns, and water crossings.
Location
Sam Houston Jones State Park, Lake Charles, LA, USA Open in Google Maps
City insight: Lake Charles
Lake Charles is a brackish lake within the estuary of the Calcasieu River in Southwest Louisiana, and it lies almost entirely within the Lake Charles city limits. The Calcasieu Ship Channel runs along its western side for large ships, and the I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge connects the city with neighboring Westlake. Summers are hot and humid and winters are mild, so spring and autumn are the best seasons for running or racing here.
Know from the athletes
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