The Backyard Genesis

The Backyard Genesis

The Backyard Genesis is a standard backyard ultra marathon held in Lake Wales, Florida. Participants must complete a 4.167 mile loop every hour. The specific loop distance is designed so that completing one lap per hour for 24 hours results in a total distance of 100 miles.

The event follows traditional backyard rules. A bell rings at the top of each hour to signal the start of a new loop. Runners must be standing inside the starting corral when the bell rings to continue the race; late starts are not permitted. Once a loop begins, participants must stay on the course and cannot receive aid or pacing until they return. The only exception for leaving the course during a loop is to use a restroom.

The competition continues until only one runner remains. To be declared the winner, the final participant must complete one solo loop within the hour timeframe. If the last runner fails to finish their final loop on time, the event concludes with no official finisher. All participants who do not win are recorded as "Did Not Finish" (DNF), though their total covered distance is tracked for the results.

Participants are responsible for their own aid while on the course. In the staging area, runners can set up chairs, coolers, and tents in designated spaces adjacent to the start line. While some fluids and food are provided during the event, prepared meals are primarily served after a runner has exited the race. Crews are permitted to assist runners between loops but are not required. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

• Backyard Ultra (4.167 mile loops)

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