The ultra-running format where it’s not about speed, but about mental strength.A run without a finish line.
A race against the clock – and against yourself. The Backyard Ultra is more than just an ultramarathon. It’s a mental experiment, a dance with exhaustion, and a test of how long you can truly keep going.This format has captured the imagination of runners around the world — from ambitious trail runners to seasoned ultramarathoners. In this article, you’ll learn what makes the Backyard Ultra so unique, how it works, where it came from, and why nutrition and strategy are key to lasting hour after hour.
What is a Backyard Ultra?
The Backyard Ultra is an endurance event without a fixed finish distance.
Participants run loops of exactly 6.706 kilometres (4.167 miles). Every hour, on the hour, a new loop begins. If a runner fails to complete a loop in time or doesn’t start the next one, they’re out. The race continues until only one person remains — the so-called Last One Standing.After 24 hours, runners will have covered exactly 100 miles (around 161 kilometres). That alone is an incredible achievement — and many go further than they ever have before, which is a huge success in itself.What sounds simple is, in truth, a brutal test of body and mind. Too fast? You burn energy. Too slow? You miss the start. Each loop is a balancing act between pace, recovery and mental resilience.
Origins and Evolution
This unique format was created by Gary “Lazarus Lake” Cantrell, the mastermind behind the infamous Barkley Marathons. His event, Big’s Backyard Ultra in Tennessee, became the blueprint for a worldwide phenomenon.
Today, Backyard Ultras are held on every continent — as national series, team events and world championships.What makes them so compelling is that it’s not about speed, but about endurance, strategy and willpower.
Current Records (as of 2025)
- Phil Gore (Australia) – 119 loops (~798 km), Dead Cow Gully, 2025
- Meg Eckert (USA) – 87 loops, World Championship Tennessee, 2024
These figures show that the Backyard Ultra is no ordinary race. It’s not about personal bests, but about who can survive the night, cope with fatigue, cold and monotony — and stay mentally stronger than the rest.
Nutrition and Strategy in the Backyard Ultra
Success in a Backyard Ultra depends not only on training but also on smart fuelling.
Because each loop starts on the hour, runners only have a short window to rest and refuel. That’s where planning makes the difference between finishing strong and dropping out early.Many athletes rely on light, natural foods. Products such as RabbitFuel’s savoury Veggie Purées provide energy without overloading the body with sugar. Flavours like Broccoli & Potato or Hummus with Sunflower Seeds deliver carbohydrates, protein and key minerals — exactly what your body needs during long races.The key is balance: enough calories, low sugar, sufficient salt, and a stomach that stays happy.
Conclusion
The Backyard Ultra isn’t a race in the traditional sense. It’s a mental duel with your own limits — a lesson in patience, discipline and strategy. Anyone who runs it quickly realises: it’s not about speed. It’s about who makes it to the next loop.
👉 Have you ever taken on a Backyard Ultra, or is it still on your bucket list? Drop it in the comments or share this post with your running buddy!
And if you’re ready to face the challenge — remember:
RabbitFuel keeps you going, hour after hour.