Black Hills Backyard Ultra
Always double-check with the organizer's website! This page may contain affiliate links.
Black Hills Backyard Ultra
The Black Hills Backyard Ultra is a backyard format trail event in the Big Hill area near Spearfish, SD, held on September 12, 2026. It uses Big Hill Loop A with a 0.6 mile out-and-back section of Loop D to create a single lap distance of 4.167 miles run counter-clockwise. Each loop contains about 375 ft of elevation gain and loss; the course descends nearly 200 feet in the first half and climbs back to the high point at the start and finish.
Trails at Big Hill are wide and smooth, originally developed for cross country skiing, allowing side-by-side running and passing. The event is hosted by the Black Hills Runner's Club, a 501(c)(3) organization operating under a conditional use permit from the US Forest Service.
Key rules and format details: a new loop begins each hour with warning whistles at 3, 2, and 1 minute; runners must be inside the starting corral when the bell rings for the next lap; outside aid is allowed only between loops; trekking poles and pacers are prohibited. The winner is the last runner to complete one more lap than any other runner.
Logistics and amenities: there is no WiFi or cell service at the trailhead; a vault toilet is available; a staffed aid station at the start/finish offers hot and cold food, drinks, supplements, and grill items. Free dispersed camping is available nearby following Forest Service regulations. Registration fees vary by date; transfers and refund policies are specified by the organizers. Extreme weather or wildfires may prompt cancellation with possible rollover credits. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
