24 HOUR ULTRA RUNNING EVENT F.A.Q.
What is a 24 Hour Ultra?
A 24-hour run is a form of ultramarathon, in which a competitor runs as far as they can in 24 hours. They are typically held on 1- to 2-mile loops or occasionally 400-meter tracks.
Top runners will often run 200 kilometres (124 mi) or more, depending on conditions, and the best can go beyond 290 kilometres (180 mi). Some participants will have a crew to help them, but others just set up a camp with all the gear and supplies they need near the starting area to access each loop. Often 24-hour events are combined with 6-, 12-, and 48-hour events. 24-hour runs have also been held in relay formats, with runners completing a mile each in succession for 24 hours. Often these events are not internationally sanctioned, and are more for charitable purposes."
(Source: International Association of UltraRunners [IAU])
What are the rules during a 24 Hour Ultra?
The Rules vary depending on the race. Rules are set by the race directors of each race to fit the needs of each race and make the race as fun as possible for all participants. adhere to any local rules and regulations, and create a unique experience that only that race can provide.
Are these runners crazy?
Crazy is as crazy does and we’re here for it.
BACKYARD ULTRA RUNNING EVENT F.A.Q.
What is a Backyard Ultra?
A backyard ultra is a style of ultra marathon where runners embark on either a loop or out & back course that measures 4.167 miles total. The runners get 1 hour to complete the course. Once the runners finish a lap, a.k.a. a yard, they then get the rare privilege of doing that again on the hour, every hour, until only one is left standing. The last runner must complete one more loop than any other competitor to be crowned the winner. If the final runner is unable to finish their final lap, there is no winner.
Why Does RARE Co. use the Backyard Ultra Format?
Using the Backyard Ultra format helps make getting into Ultra Racing and races more accessible. The course only needing to be 4.167 miles means we have the ability to condense 100’s of miles into more urban/suburban environments. It also gives us the ability to format the race to be able to create a more inclusive race by offering different distances to help make Ultra Distances (anything over 26.2 miles) less intimidating. Backyard Ultra races also present a great way to set & achieve personal distance records for even first time runners.
Who Started Backyard Ultra Events?
Backyard ultras are the brain child of Gary "Lazarus Lake" Cantrell. He is also one of the founders and race directors of the Barkley Marathons. The original backyard ultra is Big Dog's Backyard Ultra, which is held on Cantrell's property in Bell Buckle, Tennessee and is named after his dog. Today, Big's is an invitational race where the top competitors participate based on wins in a bracket of the various American and international backyard ultras. The distance of 4.167 miles on the hour every hour was selected because by lap/yard/hour 24, the runners will have completed 100 miles.