Natural State Backyard Ultra (High School Ultramarathon National Championship & Open Division)

Join us for the second annual Natural State Backyard Ultra which is the location for the High School Ultramarathon National Championship hosted by Epopeo in North Little Rock, Arkansas on March 14-15.  Compete with other high school endurance athletes from around the country for the opportunity to be the High School Ultramarathon National Champion.  The Backyard Ultra format (see description below) used for this event allows any level of runner the opportunity to compete whether they have competed in ultras in the past. 

To compete in the High School Division, the participant must not have graduated earlier than 2026.

There is a separate Open Division for all adults and runners not classified in the High School Division.

Place:

1 Soccer Avenue, North Little Rock, AR 72118

Burns Park Field 3 Parking Lot

https://maps.app.goo.gl/EJaPWrt4KbDz17GC7

Description:

Racer Check-In and Start

Racers check in: Saturday, March 14, 2026, 6:00-7:30 a.m.

The check-in and start are located at the starting tent at the address above.

The race will begin at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 14, 2026.

Backyard Ultra Format:

A backyard ultra is a type of ultramarathon where runners complete a short, 4.167-mile loop every hour, with the race ending when only one participant remains to finish a lap, essentially making it a "last one standing" competition; the winner is the runner who completes the most loops before all others drop out, with no predetermined finish distance or time limit, making it a grueling test of mental and physical endurance. 

Official Rules:

Starts

Each 4.167-mile loop starts precisely 1 hour after the last

Warnings will be given 3, 2, and 1 minutes before the start of each loop

All participants must be in the starting corral and start at the bell (no late starts)

Corral location stays the same throughout the race

Loops

Except for restrooms, competitors may not leave the course until each loop is completed

No non-competitors on the course (including eliminated runners and crew)

No personal aid during a loop (each runner must be self sufficient while on the loop)

Each loop must be completed within an hour to be counted (including the final lap)

No artificial aids (including trekking poles)

Slower runners must allow passes

Winner/Results

The winner is the last person to complete a loop (in each division)

All others are technically DNF

Results of each runner in terms of distance covered are to be given

If no runner can complete one more loop than anyone else, there is no winner

Aid & Refreshment Stations:

There will be food and drink provided (bring your own cup)

Public bathrooms and water are available near the starting tent

Basic first aid supplies will be available at the starting tent

Supplies:

Runners are allowed to return to cars or personal tents between each loop

Runners have the option to bring a support crew but support can only be provided after each loop

Safety:

Volunteers will be posted a road crossings for safety

A police officer will be present past 9:00 pm

A medic will be present at the starting area for the duration of the race for any medical-related needs

Course Description:

The course is an easy, wooded, flat 4.167-mile loop with an elevation of only 168’. The terrain is mostly packed dirt with only a few rocky sections and less than ½ mile of pavement. The trail can become very muddy during the wet season and after rainstorms. The trail is well-marked with blue & white tape and blue flags. 

Awards:

High School Men's Champion, High School Women's Champion, Open Division Men's Champion, Open Division Women's Champion

Recognition will be given to any participant who finishes 7 laps, officially running an ultramarathon distance

After each runner's final lap they will receive an award with their total covered distance in laps

Refunds and Inclement Weather Policy:

No Refunds

No Inclement Weather Policy. Race will be held regardless of temperature or precipitation (forecast or actual). The race director reserves the right to cancel or delay the race for the safety of the participants.