Coalfields Backyard Ultra

Welcome to the Coalfields Backyard Ultra, West Virginia’s unique endurance challenge taking place over Memorial Day weekend. This year marks the 5th edition of this Lazarus Lake-sanctioned event, set to start on Friday, May 28 at 7:00 PM.
Located in Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College, the race offers participants a loop course that is precisely measured at 4.1667 miles (or 2.08 miles down and back). The flat yet challenging asphalt path winds along the riverbank of the Williamson Floodwall River Path before heading into a gravel road section near the PK-8 school in Williamson, WV.
The course layout ensures that runners can easily find their way with well-marked cones and directional arrows throughout its entirety. Despite being primarily on even terrain, one part of the route may become saturated if there is heavy rainfall during the event weekend; however, organizers will provide an alternative path to ensure safety and continuity for all competitors.
Participants are encouraged to prepare thoroughly as this ultra can extend over multiple days due to its unique format where runners must complete a lap every hour. The race features live results displayed on a TV screen at the venue along with a video feed that keeps everyone informed of progress throughout the event.
Pricing tiers offer flexibility for registration, ranging from $130 in advance up until December 31st, to $180 if you register right before the race day. The course rules emphasize fair play and safety guidelines such as no artificial aids during a loop and mandatory starts at each hour's bell signal.
Past winners of this grueling event include Matthew Young from Hurricane, WV who covered an impressive distance in 2023 with assistance from Clay Smith; Ben Brucker from Pennsylvania in the following year, clocking 58.33 miles with Joel Murch-Shafer’s help; and Joelle Fenton from New York, achieving a remarkable 125 miles assisted by Douglas Songer.
The race venue provides basic amenities like water stations at the start/finish line along with portable toilets for convenience. While these facilities are available, participants should bring their own supplies to sustain themselves over potentially lengthy periods of competition. Local restaurants and community members will also offer food options on-site during the event weekend.
Camp setup is permitted near the starting area so runners can rest between loops or take breaks as needed according to their pacing strategy. The atmosphere promises to be electric, with spectators cheering for competitors pushing their limits in this unforgettable endurance spectacle.