Backyard Ultra - Las Cruces
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Backyard Ultra - Las Cruces (Day of the Dead, Land of Enchantment)
The Day of the Dead Land of Enchantment Backyard Ultra is a last-runner-standing event held at the Prehistoric Trackways National Monument in Las Cruces, New Mexico. The course is a lollipop-style loop on well-maintained trails, primarily crushed gravel, with some elevation change and views of the Organ Mountains. Each lap is 4.167 miles (about 6.706 km) and repeats hourly until a single runner completes a lap alone within the allowed time.
The event follows standard backyard-ultra rules. Competitors must be inside a clearly marked starting box when the hourly bell sounds; warning signals are given shortly before the bell. Runners may not leave the course except to relieve themselves, and personal assistance is permitted only between laps. Aids such as trekking poles are not allowed on course. An aid station at the start/finish area provides porta-potties, hydration (water and Gatorade), salty-sweet snacks, pickles, wraps, and coffee during late-night and morning hours. This is a cupless event.
All participants receive a Land of Enchantment hoodie and a Day of the Dead DNF medal. Competitors who complete 24 laps receive a 100-mile buckle. Overall male and female awards and a fastest-lap award are planned. The venue offers a large area for personal aid setup, camping, and parking. The field is capped at 75 participants and a portion of each registration will be donated to the Southern New Mexico Trail Alliance. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
