Backyard is a new running sport. It is neither running a set distance for time, nor running a set time for distance. The objective of Backyard is for the athlete to cover the maximum distance possible for their level of experience and ability. There is only one winner in a Backyard Ultra, the runner who covers the greatest distance. However there can be many successes, as the rational pacing and team atmosphere of a Backyard raises many runners to achievements they never thought possible. Every athlete in the race plays a part in the final outcome. The ultimate winner cannot reach the distance they achieve without the contributions of all the other participants.
We place a $100 bill in a clear container for all runners to see before the start of each lap (Yard). This continues to happen every hour as a new yard begins. The last runner to complete a yard and the 2nd to last runner (the assist), will split the prize money with each other that has accumulated in the jar. The winner will get 75% of the prize and the runner who went the second longest will get 25% of the prize money. This can get VERY large. A 24 hour prize would $2,400 and $100 will be added to that prize money every hour. A 500 mile prize would be $12,000. That being said there is no limit! The race director (Travis Kearin) reserves the right to run in the event in an attempt to battle for his money. He would get no special treatment and would have to follow the same rules as all other runners. Every Runner who hits 24 laps (100 miles) will get a custom engraved belt buckle. All runners will get: -A bad ass DNF Medal (except winner who gets a special one), custom engraved with how many laps/miles they completed. -T-shirt (if you registered after September 1st, shirts will be limited to qty and size remaining) -Sticker Kit -Cowbell -Other Badassery that we come up with on a whim
1. All runners MUST be in the starting corral at the Start of each Lap (Yard). 2. Each Yard starts precisely on the hour and 1 hour after the last. (Warnings will be given 3, 2, and 1 minute before the bell.) 3. Runners must be inside the starting corral at the bell. 4. All runners must start at the bell. (Absolutely NO late starts.) 5. Except for restrooms, competitors may not leave the course until the loop has been completed. 6. No non competitors on the course. (This includes eliminated runners) 7. No crewing or outside aid during a Yard. 8. Each Yard must be completed within an hour to be counted….including the final loop. 9. No artificial aids. (including trekking poles, etc.) 10. Slower runners must allow passes. 11. Runners are responsible for their personal aid and nutrition needs. 12. Water, along with a limited supply of prepackaged food items will be available throughout the race at start/finish. 13. The winner is the last person to complete a Yard. 14. All other runners are classified as a DNF. (There is no second place!) 15. If no runner can complete one more loop than anyone else, there is no winner.
Oct 03, 2026
Distance — Last Runner Standing
Type — Running
08:00
$250.00
These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for October in Bonney Lake.
Learn more about the host city, Bonney Lake.
Bonney Lake is a city in Pierce County, Washington named for William P. Bonney. The population was 22,487 at the time of the 2020 census.
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