One loop, every hour
Backyard Ultras
A last-person-standing format built around one 6.7056 km loop every hour, on the hour, until only one finisher remains.
How the Format Works
In a backyard ultra, runners must complete a 6.7056 km (4.1667 mile) loop within each hour and return for the next start. Missing the bell or failing to finish a loop in time ends the attempt.
The fixed hourly rhythm makes routine visible. Pace has to leave usable recovery time, while food, foot checks, clothing, bottles, crew communication, and optional rest must fit between bells.
Curated preparation path
Learn, Train, and Plan
Understand the Format
Learn the rules, scoring, failure conditions, and how backyard racing differs from a timed event.
Build the Training Plan
Practice comfortable loops and transitions without trying to rehearse extreme sleep loss.
Train for Your First Backyard Ultra
An adaptable framework for loop rhythm, easy durability, transitions, and recovery.
GuideTapering for Multiday Races
Protect freshness while keeping familiar routines and equipment ready.
ToolMultiday Pace Calculator
Compare loop pace with the recovery minutes left before each bell.
Create the Loop Routine
Make every transition simple enough to repeat when appetite, weather, and alertness change.
Backyard Ultra Race Strategy
Plan pace, transition priorities, crew communication, rest, and stop criteria.
GuideBackyard Ultra Nutrition
Build flexible between-loop food and fluid options across changing appetite.
GuideCrew Instructions Template
Give helpers clear priorities, preferences, boundaries, and escalation rules.
Prepare for Darkness
Use reliable lighting, simple packing, and clear alertness decisions once the event reaches night.
Headlamp and Battery Strategy
Plan tested primary and backup lighting for repeated night loops.
GuideSleep Strategy for Multiday Races
Understand rest options and why caffeine cannot replace safe alertness.
ToolInteractive Gear Checklist
Build a compact transition-area and overnight packing list.
Curated race directory
Active and Upcoming Backyard Ultra Events
4 matching events as of Jul 31, 2026; directory reviewed June 2026.
Sydney's Backyard Ultra
St Ives Showground, Sydney, Australia
One of Australia's premier backyard ultra events. A last-person-standing race starting at 8:00 AM at St Ives Showground with a community-focused atmosphere.
View verified race details →Dutch Backyard Ultra
Zeewolde, Netherlands
The official Netherlands satellite event for the World Team Championship. Athletes compete as part of the Dutch national team on a course in Zeewolde.
View verified race details →World Backyard Ultra Team Championship
Bell Buckle, Tennessee, USA (and worldwide satellite sites)
The premier backyard ultra team event. National teams of 15 runners compete simultaneously at satellite sites worldwide. Each runner completes 4.167-mile loops every hour. The country with the most total loops wins.
View verified race details →Capital Backyard Ultra
Lorton, Virginia, USA
A high-level backyard ultra at Meadowood Special Recreation Management Area, built for deep performances in a small, highly supported field.
View verified race details →Dates, entry status, routes, and rules can change. Use each event page's official organizer links before registration or travel. Format preparation paths were reviewed July 30, 2026.
Backyard Ultra FAQs
How far is each backyard ultra loop?
The standard loop is 6.7056 km, or 4.1667 miles. Completing one loop per hour produces 100 miles in 24 hours, although the event continues until the last-runner-standing condition is met.
How fast should a backyard loop be run?
There is no universal ideal split. A runner needs enough margin to finish before the bell and enough remaining time for food, fluid, clothing, foot care, and optional rest without making the running pace unnecessarily costly.
Can runners sleep during a backyard ultra?
They may rest between loops if the race rules allow it and they still report for the next start. The usable window depends on loop time, transition tasks, and safe alertness; involuntary sleep or confusion calls for stopping and assessment.
Compare Related Formats
24-Hour Races
A fixed-time race where the clock runs for one full day and every completed lap or measured distance counts.
6-Day Races
A 144-hour fixed-time event where sustainable routines and recovery choices matter across nearly a full week.
48-Hour Races
A two-day fixed-time race where sleep, recovery choices, and the second night become central parts of the plan.