The Sole Survivor Backyard Ultra returns to Richland, Washington on Saturday, September 12th, inviting runners from across the region for a unique endurance challenge. This seventh annual event moves its starting day to accommodate more participants and promises custom belt buckles for those who reach the 100-mile mark or complete the grueling race in 24 hours. The race venue is set on Carrier Road near Richland, where runners will face an unending series of 4.16-mile loops at the top of each hour until only one participant remains. The course features a firm and slightly soft trail surface that can be both forgiving yet challenging for long-distance running. Runners should expect typical aid station fare such as water and basic supplies, with no pets allowed on the race day except service animals. Sole Survivor Backyard Ultra is deeply rooted in Richland's athletic community, drawing runners who are eager to test their endurance against nature and time. Over six years of hosting this event, organizers have seen participants range from seasoned ultrarunners looking for a new challenge to those curious about the unique format. The race supports local businesses and communities by fostering an environment where perseverance is celebrated. The course itself loops around Carrier Road in Richland, offering runners consistent terrain with steady elevation changes that add character to each lap. A single aid station at the start/finish line provides basic amenities like water and energy drinks for participants throughout their journey. As dusk approaches or when race organizers feel it's time, a barbecue grill fires up near the course, serving hot food to all racers. Weather conditions on September 12th in Richland typically offer firm trail surfaces with UV index levels of around three point five, indicating moderate sun exposure. The temperature range is generally mild, falling between comfortable and cool early morning temperatures that gradually warm through mid-morning before cooling again as evening approaches. Runners should expect clear skies without significant precipitation risks.
Sole Survivor Start: 08:00:00 • Fee: $70.00
Registration for the event can be completed online at https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=134065 with fees totaling $70 per participant and deadlines approaching as early as mid-August, depending on race capacity limits. Race bibs are available for pickup starting one week before the event date in Richland city center locations from 9 AM to 5 PM daily. On the day of the race, participants should arrive at the start location located at 1200 Carrier Rd., equipped with all necessary running gear and supplies including hydration packs or bottles. Age requirements for entry are non-specific but open to serious endurance runners capable of handling multiple hours on foot. For first-time attendees, bringing extra layers and knowing that pets cannot accompany you is crucial. The Sole Survivor Backyard Ultra in Richland offers a rare glimpse into the world of ultra-endurance racing, challenging participants not just with distance but also with mental fortitude as they push through loop after loop until only one remains standing. This event's unique format makes it a compelling destination for those seeking to test their limits and join an elite group of runners who share in this singular experience in Richland, Washington on September 12th.
Races Offered
Sole Survivor ( 4.16 mile loop )
Sep 12, 2026
straighten
Distance —
6.7K
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
08:00
sell
$70.00
Weather History
These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for September in Richland.
thermostatTemperature
14.5° / 28.7°
wb_sunnyFeels like
12.9° / 26.3°
light_mode
Avg sunshine hours
10h 38m
water_drop
Avg rainfall
0.2 mm
ac_unit
Avg snowfall
—
air
Avg wind speed
7.4 km/h (Light breeze)
opacity
Sweat loss rate
Moderate
terrain
Course conditions
Hard and dry surface
sunny
Max UV Index
Moderate (3.5)
humidity_mid
Humidity
45.2%
wb_twilight
Sunrise
06:36
nightlight
Sunset
19:06
About Richland
Learn more about the host city, Richland.
Richland is a city of 51,000 people (2020) in the Columbia River Plateau, where the Yakima River flows into the Columbia. It is the closest city to the Hanford Nuclear Site, where development of its historic nuclear reactor lead to a large national research lab and a waste remediation effort that is the single largest construction project in the country.
