Backyard ultras may seem simple at first glance—runners just need to complete one 4.167-mile loop (6.7 km) every hour, over and over, until only one person remains. But beneath this deceptively straightforward format lies a treasure trove of interesting quirks that make the event unlike any other in the running world. These lesser-known facts are sure to surprise, and will deepen your appreciation for this fascinating race.
The loop distance is not an accident
The 4.167-mile (or 6.7-km) loop isn’t arbitrary. It’s precisely calculated so that runners who maintain the pace complete 100 miles in 24 hours—perfectly aligned with a common ultra distance.
No finish line, just time
Unlike most races, a backyard ultra has no set finish line. The only way to win is to outlast everyone else, and there’s no knowing how long that might take. Some races have stretched well beyond 80 hours.
Mental toughness trumps speed
In most ultras, speed plays a role, but backyard ultras are won in the mind. The pace required to finish a loop is relatively modest (at least at first), so it’s the mental battle against sleep deprivation, boredom and fatigue that determines the victor.
Every runner gets a DNF—except one
In backyard ultras, if you don’t win, you get a “Did Not Finish” (DNF) result. That’s because only one person can finish the race, and everyone else must drop out when they fail to complete a loop within the hour.
Local backyard ultras have launched global stars
Runners who first enter their local backyard ultra may find themselves on the world stage. Events like Big Dog’s Backyard Ultra in Tennessee have become breeding grounds for future champions of the ultra-running world—in fact, Canadian ultrarunning star Ihor Verys was the runner-up in last year’s Big Dog’s event, as the assist to American champion Harvey Lewis, logging more than 717 km over the course of 107 hours. Let’s face it—Verys was a global star already—but the race did contribute to making him an ultrarunning household name.
Sleep deprivation is a major competitor
With loops continuing through day and night, most runners go without sleep for 24 hours or (many) more. Those who can snatch a few minutes of rest between loops may get a competitive edge, but it’s incredibly hard to do, especially as the hours build up and runner’s speed slows down.
“Team Canada” is more than just a title
In the satellite edition of the Backyard Ultra World Championships, each country fields a team of its top backyard runners, and Team Canada has historically done well. It’s a true test of national endurance spirit, with every member’s performance contributing to the overall team result—the more runners that can continue every loop, the better the team morale, and the longer the runners’ spirits (and legs) last.
The oldest participants can be the most resilient
Unlike many endurance events where younger athletes dominate, backyard ultras often see older runners excel. Endurance, pacing and mental fortitude increase with experience, which can give older participants a surprising edge.
To watch Team Canada’s live stream, click here. To watch the global YouTube coverage (with creator Gary Cantrell a.k.a. Laz Lake hosting) head here.
