The Barnyard Backyard Ultra

Outlast the herd. Become the GOAT.

Want to test your grit? Want to see what you're made of? Want to have fun? Push your limits and go for it with others, while enjoying the company of rescued farmed animals at their peaceful sanctuary home? Welcome to the Barnyard Backyard Ultra! Backyard Ultra [BAK-yahrd UL-truh] : an ultramarathon format where runners must repeatedly complete a 4.167-mile loop ("Yard") every hour. Those who finish the loop prior to the hour cutoff must make it back to the starting line corral at the top of the next hour to be eligible to run the next loop. The race keeps going until only one runner finishes a final lap alone - that is to say, the runner who completes the most Yards wins. Also known as a Last Runner Standing event. While backyard ultras are commonly known for being gritty and unpredictable in nature, there's also a strong spirit of camaraderie, community, and joy. In other words, doing really hard things with others feels great so, LFG!! We are proud to support Luvin Arms ! A portion of the proceeds will be donated to help provide care, shelter, and advocacy for rescued farmed animals. By joining us, you'll be celebrating the joy of running and contributing to a compassionate cause. Fun Fact: The goat in our graphic is based on the real-life Alfie , who lives at Luvin Arms! We consider ourselves a grassroots bunch with a love for the people, the community, the animals, and an all around feel good positive vibe. It will be our pleasure to be your host for a great experience! We've provided the majority of race information here but please also head over to the event page on the Let's Feel Great Sports website for full details as you prepare for your running adventures ahead!

Uniqueness of the Experience

Participating in an event at Luvin Arms is a very unique and special opportunity! All runners will be able to see a diverse community of species who live at the sanctuary where they all have been rescued with the mission to receive lifelong care and love. In addition to finding joy while running, part of your experience is to observe and feel the calm and peaceful surroundings, which also include a grand panoramic view of the amazing Rocky Mountains. It is truly a remarkable time! Some of the many new friends you'll meet while running are Jale the horse, Dali the donkey, Tendu the potbelly pig, Peter the white peacock, Button the chicken, Yoda the duck, Gus the turkey, Maybell the cow, Cheerio the sheep, Eileen the goat, and Lizzie the big pig!

Course Terrain and Views

With less than 200 feet of elevation gain per lap, the sanctuary features an off-road style, highly-runnable course that's mostly flat and non-technical with a mix of dirt, grass, and gravel - it's a great terrain for all levels of ability! We recommend trail running shoes. You will have a great time as you enjoy views of the stunning Rocky Mountains and pass by many of the lovely sanctuary residents - they're very curious and love watching runners as they go by for each lap!

Aid Station Goodness & Warming Hut

Aid Station We will feature one central aid station near the main race hub area that will be stocked with assorted goodies like bananas, oranges, bread & peanut butter, and pretzels to supplement your race fueling needs and appetite enjoyment! In addition to ice water, we are excited to provide LYTN Endurance Ultralytes Cucumber Lime Electrolyte Mix and Neversecond C30 Forest Berry Carbohydrate/Energy Sports Drink to help optimize your hydration and fluid retention needs while running! This is a cupless event - cups will not be provide at the aid station for runners. Please be sure to bring your own hydration gear to stay hydrated while running - let's work together to reduce waste and keep the trails nice & clean! Warming Hut Since temperatures could get chilly, we'll have a tent set up as part of the race hub/aid station area where runners can warm their bones....but don't spend too long getting nice & cozy because you gotta get back out there in time to start the next loop!

Race Hub/Runner Camp Setup

Runners will be allowed to setup camp in designated areas, which can include a 10X10 tent and other race-related equipment. This area is accessible to runners and their designated support crew between loops to manage nutrition, hydration, gear changes, and rest. (please see full details on our website)

Packet/Bib Pickup

Pre-Race Day Local Pickup Friday, October 23, 2026 3:00pm - 6:00pm Luvin Arms Animal Sanctuary Visitor Center Race-Day Pickup Saturday, October 24, 2026 6:00am - 7:30am prior to 8:00am race start Race Director Tent @ Luvin Arms

Awards

All Participants Every runner who hits the course to see what they can do (how far they can push themselves) will earn a race medal. This will symbolize the act of showing up with the grit it takes to participate in a challenge like this! 100 Mile/24 Hour Completion In addition to a race medal, all participants who complete 100 miles/24 hours will earn a sweet buckle for that very challenging accomplishment, which is directly associated with the origin of the 4.167 specific course distance where 100 miles ÷ 24 hours = 4.166666... miles per hour; credit and thanks for this mathematical fun goes to Gary Cantrell, aka "Lazarus Lake" who started this whole crazy Backyard Ultra thing! Last Runner Standing/Winner There is only one finisher, the last person to complete a Yard, The GOAT. The last runner standing will earn a very special buckle to pair with a race medal! All other participants are technically designated as DNF Full details are listed in the "Backyard Ultra Rules" section below, which are the same as the Big's Backyard Ultra official rules , verbatim.

Our Partners

High-Output Electrolyte Carbohydrate/Energy Fuel