No Mans Land Trail Run

About No Man's Land

In 1803, the United States purchased 530 million acres of land from France. Before the United States came along, Spanish-controlled-Texas and French-controlled-Louisiana had a long disputed history of the official territorial border. So as to not enter into military action with Spain, the U.S. proposed a "No Man's Land" where neither country had jurisdiction. Sam Houston Jones State Park happens to follow the Calcasieu River, which is the Eastern border of what used to be "No Man's Land" thus giving our trail run its name. Because there was no ruling government pirates like Jean Lafitte, used No Man's Land as a base of operations. Local legend has it that his treasure is hidden somewhere along the Contraband Bayou or Calcasieu River (maybe a lucky runner will find it). 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).

New for 2026

We offer a "No-Medal" option by default to help you save a few bucks. IF YOU WANT A MEDAL YOU WILL HAVE TO CHECK THE BOX FOR A MEDAL ADDED ONTO YOUR REGISTRATION WHEN YOU SIGN UP. The medal will be the same as previous years. Of course, if you are a returning runner and want an additional medal, you are free to add one on too. Every year we will include a newly designed enamel pin (for every runner) that will represent your finisher medal. 2024 the pin was our LaFeet Running logo. 2025 was a skull and crossbones. 2026 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.

Course Description

*Note for 2026 Because of changes to the trails in the park, the 2026 course will be slightly different. Trail runners rejoice; we have also eliminated the road portion of the race. No Man's Land is an 8ish mile looped course around the perimeter of Sam Houston Jones State Park. It begins on the Riverwalk Trail, continues on the Eagle Scout and Purple Haze Extension Trail. From there you will turn right onto the Nature Conservancy Trail until it crosses the Bailey's Bender and then Old Blue directly in front of you. You will continue on the Old Blue Trail and the Blue Connector to the Cabin Trail and then follow along the river back to the boardwalk at the start. The course will be well marked. Flags are placed along the trail as "confidence markers" and arrows are placed to mark all turns. One loop has approximately 125 feet of elevation gain and descent with the majority of the elevation being rolling hills on the blue trail. The trails still have plenty of technicality because of many roots, continuous twists and turns, and water crossings/ bridges. Its a great trail for people just coming into trail running, but still offers many challenges for trail veterans. Course Map and Elevation Profile can both be found in the pictures above.

Danimal

From 2016-2019 this race was produced under the Danimal race name. The course is slightly different now with the trail changes post-hurricane Laura, but for "comparable" results history, you can view those results with this link: https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=40935 From 2020-2023, the race did not happen due to hurricane damages and park renovations.

Schedule

Packet pickup will be available at Sam Houston Jones State Park Pavilion on Friday October 16th from 12:00pm - 6:00pm. Race day Packet pickup will be from 6:30am - 7:30am. When you arrive at the park, let the rangers know that you are here for the race, we will be covering entry fees for participants only. There will be a mandatory prerace meeting at 7:45. All distances will have a start time of 8:00am with a 10 hour cutoff at 6:00pm. If entrants exceed expectations, we may push the 8 miler start time back by 15 minutes.

Aid Stations

• Aid Station 1 - Start/ Finish Pavilion, manned and fully furnished aid. On-site and portable restroom options • Aid Station 2 - Mile 4, manned water/ electrolytes, snacks. Aid Station 2 closes at 5:00 P.M. Because of the remote location, we are not able to bring a restroom out to the second aid station. Please plan accordingly.

Pacers

Pacers are only allowed for the 50K race, and only for the final 2 loops. No muling! Runners must carry their own hydration, food, etc. Only 1 pacer per runner at a time. If you are planning to have a pacer, please pick up a "pacer" race bib for them at packet pickup.

Awards

Awards will be given out to the top three male and female in each distance. We will also have one DFL (Dead Flipping Last) award for each distance given to the person that enjoyed the course the longest. There will be no age group awards.

Drops / Refund Policy

Drops in distance are allowed if we are notified before the start of the race. Please let us know as soon as you know you need to drop in distance. If on race morning you decide to drop to a shorter distance, you must notify the race directors before the start of the race. If you do not notify us and you drop to a lower distance during the race, you will receive a finisher's medal for the distance completed but you will not be eligible for podium awards. No refunds. No rollovers to the next year. No transfers to another person.

Camping and Accommodations

There are plenty of hotels nearby in the greater Lake Charles area (Westlake, Sulphur, Moss Bluff included). If you want to stay in the park, Sam Houston Jones State Park offers cabins and RV spots through the state park website.

8 Mile Ruck

*New this year* We are still allowing everyone to ruck if you want, heck, you can even ruck the 50K, however, we are discontinuing the ruck as a specific "distance option." Through a partnership with the local organization "With You," we are excited to bring an 8 Mile Ruck Division in addition to the 8 mile run. With You is a non-profit that supports first responders through both mental and physical therapies. Dry weight recommendations are 30lbs for people >150lbs and 20lbs for people <150 lbs. Because of the remote nature of some of the trails, we will not allow anyone to start the ruck with intentionally heavier dry weight or in gear not designed for rucking (i.e. Firefighting, EMS, or Police gear) Please visit withyouswla.org for more information.

Dogs / Music / Littering / etc.

Dogs are allowed in the park as long as they are leashed. If you are found with your dog off leash, we will have to count you as a DNF. As much as we love dogs, this race is for you! Headphones are allowed, however, the trails are mostly single track and are still open to hikers, bikers, and others not racing, be courteous of other people trying to enjoy the park. Littering... Just don't. We will have trash cans at the aid stations, and there are some along the trails that the park maintains.