Backyard Ultra Marathons UK

A Backyard Ultra, sometimes affectionately known as a Last Person Standing race, is an ultramarathon with a twist. Competitors run a specific loop of 4.167 miles (6.706 km) every hour, on the hour. The name comes from the original Bigs Backyard Ultra in Tennessee, where the event takes place literally in the race directors backyard. In the UK, it embodies the spirit of continuous, repetitive effort within a defined, often scenic, location.

This seemingly exact distance is no accident! It is meticulously calculated so that if a runner completes 24 laps within 24 hours, they will have covered precisely 100 miles. Its a clever way to link the hourly format to a traditional ultra-marathon milestone.

That's the beautiful, unpredictable nature of it! Unlike traditional races with a set finish line, a Backyard Ultra continues until only one runner remains. This could be anywhere from a few hours for a short, sharp event, to multiple days if competitors are particularly resilient. The UK has seen some incredible endurance feats, with races pushing well beyond the 24-hour mark.

Absolutely! The goal is to complete each 4.167 mile loop within the 60 minute timeframe. Many successful Backyard Ultra participants employ a strategic mix of running and walking to conserve energy for the long haul. It's not about speed, but about consistency and clever pacing.

Surprisingly, yes! While physically demanding, the hourly format can be less intimidating than a continuous ultramarathon. It allows for regular short breaks, opportunities to refuel, and the chance to mentally reset after each loop. Many runners use Backyard Ultras as a fantastic stepping stone into the world of ultra-distance running, or to achieve a new personal distance record. It's a true test of self-discovery.

The terms backyard ultra and last man standing are often used interchangeably to describe a specific style of ultramarathon, but there can be subtle differences. The core concept is the same for both, runners must complete a set loop on the hour, every hour, until only one person is left who can complete a final lap.

The key distinction usually lies in whether the event adheres to the specific, standardised rules created by Gary Lazarus Lake Cantrell, the founder of the original Backyard Ultra, Bigs Backyard Ultra in the USA.

The rules for an official Backyard Ultra are precise and include:

• Loop Length: The course must be a loop or an out-and-back of precisely 4.167 miles (6.7056 km). This specific distance is designed so that 24 laps equal exactly 100 miles.
• Winner: There is only one official winner and one finisher. All other runners are marked as a DNF (Did Not Finish), regardless of how many laps they completed. The winner must complete one more lap than the second-to-last runner, who is known as the assist.
• Race End: The event is open-ended and only stops when a winner is crowned. If no runner can complete one more lap than the others, there is no winner.

Some races labelled last man standing might not adhere to these exact rules. While they follow the hourly loop format, the distance of the loop or other specifics might vary slightly. For example, a race might have a slightly longer or shorter loop, a cap on the number of hours, or different rules for who is declared the winner.

Therefore, while all backyard ultras are a type of last man standing race, not all last man standing races are official backyard ultras.

Unlike a traditional ultramarathon where you carry everything in a running vest, a backyard ultra revolves around a central basecamp. Because you return to the exact same spot every hour, you do not need to carry much on the run itself. Instead, your kit should focus on basecamp comfort, including a shelter, a comfortable chair, warm layers, and accessible nutrition.

For a complete breakdown of what to pack, check out our full guide on the backyard ultra kit list.

Having a support crew is incredibly helpful, as they can prepare your food, fill your water bottles, and help you change gear while you rest. However, it is absolutely possible to run a backyard ultra solo! If you are running unsupported, the key is to be hyper-organised. Make sure your basecamp is set up efficiently so everything is within reach the moment you finish a yard.