Backyard Ultra - Las Cruces
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2026 Backyard Ultra : Day of the Dead Land of Enchantment
The Day of the Dead Land of Enchantment Backyard Ultra is scheduled for October 30, 2026 at the Prehistoric Trackways National Monument in Las Cruces, NM. The event uses a last runner standing backyard ultra format on a lollipop-style loop of approximately 4.167 mile (6.706 km) per lap. The course runs on a network of well maintained crushed gravel trails with some elevation changes and offers views of the Organ Mountain range.
Laps begin on the hour and must be completed within the one-hour limit to continue. Runners must be in the marked starting area before each hour, personal assistance is allowed only between laps, and aids such as trekking poles are not permitted on course. The event is cupless. An aid station at the start/finish provides porta-potties, water and Gatorade, salty and sweet trail snacks, pickles, wraps, and coffee during late-night and morning hours.
The venue includes a large area for personal crew setup, campsites, and parking. Packet pickup is scheduled at Bluebird Running Company the day before the event and near the start/finish on race day. The race is capped at 75 participants and refunds are not allowed. All participants receive a hoodie and a Day of the Dead DNF medal; runners completing 24 laps receive a 100 mile buckle. A portion of registration proceeds will be donated to the Southern New Mexico Trail Alliance. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
