Last One Standing: A Look at the Weird and Wonderful World of Backyard Ultras
So, you think you know running? Marathons, ultras, the whole shebang? Well, let me introduce you to something a little different, a little…brutal. It’s called the Backyard Ultra, and it’s quickly becoming a cult favourite in the endurance running world.
The Format: Simple, Yet Savage
The beauty (and the pain) of a Backyard Ultra lies in its simplicity. Here’s the gist:
• The Loop: Runners have one hour to complete a 4.167-mile loop.
• The Bell: At the top of each hour, a bell rings. That’s your starting gun for the next loop.
• The Catch: If you’re not in the starting corral when the bell rings, you’re out. If you don’t finish the loop within the hour, you’re out.
• The Winner: There isn’t one, until there’s only one runner left standing. Everyone else is a DNF (Did Not Finish). The last runner has to complete ONE MORE loop to be declared the winner.
That’s it. Seems easy, right? Wrong. The sleep deprivation, the mental game, the constant grind…it all adds up. Runners have to manage their pace, nutrition, and any bathroom breaks within that one-hour window. It’s a logistical puzzle wrapped in an endurance test.
A Brief History: From Laz to Legends
The Backyard Ultra format was dreamed up by Gary “Lazarus Lake” Cantrell, the mastermind behind the infamous Barkley Marathons. Laz, known for his quirky race designs and even quirkier personality, wanted to create a race that tested mental fortitude as much as physical endurance.
The first Backyard Ultra, called “Big’s Backyard Ultra,” was held in 2011 in Laz’s backyard in Tennessee. It started small, with a handful of runners, but word quickly spread about this unique and challenging event.
Over the years, Backyard Ultras have popped up all over the world, from the US to Europe to Australia. They’ve attracted a diverse range of runners, from seasoned ultra-marathoners to everyday folks looking to push their limits.
Why the Appeal?
So, what’s the draw? Why would anyone willingly subject themselves to this kind of torture?
• The Mental Challenge: Backyard Ultras are as much a mental game as they are a physical one. Runners have to battle fatigue, boredom, and the urge to quit.
• The Community: Despite the individual nature of the event, Backyard Ultras foster a strong sense of community. Runners support each other, share tips, and celebrate each other’s successes (and commiserate over their failures).
• The Accessibility: Compared to some other ultra-endurance events, Backyard Ultras are relatively accessible. The loops are typically on fairly easy terrain, and the entry fees are often reasonable.
• The Sheer Absurdity: Let’s be honest, there’s something inherently absurd about running loops until you drop. And that absurdity is part of the charm.
The Backyard Ultra is not for the faint of heart. But for those who are looking for a unique and challenging running experience, it’s an event that will test your limits and leave you with a story to tell. Just be prepared to be sore, sleep-deprived, and maybe a little bit crazy.
