Lion King Backyard Ultra

Lions Club Park hosts the Lion King Backyard Ultra, a unique ultramarathon experience that challenges runners to complete 4.167 miles (6.7056 kilometers) loops every hour until only one runner remains standing. The race begins at dawn on October 9, 2027, and continues through the night as participants navigate both dirt trails during daylight hours and paved paths under moonlit skies.
The course winds through a mature forest with vibrant fall foliage and large cedar groves, providing runners with picturesque views and serene environments to push their limits. At dusk, runners transition onto a flat, scenic paved trail that follows a flowing creek in the rural countryside near Rolla, offering glimpses of wildlife like whitetail deer and colorful sunsets.
Competitors gather at Lions Club Park's pavilions for the starting corral, where they are provided with essential amenities such as water stations, tailwind energy gels, salt tablets, and restrooms. Each hour, runners must start a new loop precisely on time to remain in contention. The race continues without a predetermined end date or time until only one runner completes an additional lap compared to the second-place competitor.
The winner will be crowned "THE LION KING" or "QUEEN," receiving a custom belt buckle and other prizes from sponsors, while top male and female runners are inducted into the Hall of Fame. All participants receive recognition with ribbons displaying their completed laps and miles.
Proceeds from this event support suicide prevention initiatives through the 988 Suicide & Crisis Prevention hotline and Lions Club Park improvements. Runners can stay at nearby accommodations or camp within designated areas during race hours, ensuring a memorable experience for all who take part in this extraordinary endurance challenge.