Backyard Ultra - Las Cruces

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, New Mexico. The event uses a lollipop-style loop of about 4.167 miles repeated hourly in a last runner standing format. Each lap must be completed within the one-hour window; the race continues with new laps every hour until a single runner completes a lap alone.

The course runs on a network of well maintained trails, primarily crushed gravel, with some elevation changes and scenic views of the Organ Mountain range. The start/finish area allows space for personal crew setups, campsites, and parking. An aid station at the start/finish will provide porta-potties, water and Gatorade, salty and sweet trail snacks, pickles, wraps, and coffee in late-night and morning hours. This is a cupless event.

Standard backyard rules apply: runners must be in the starting box before the top of each hour, personal assistance is allowed only between laps, non-competitors are not permitted on course, and aids such as trekking poles are not allowed on course. Participants who complete 24 laps receive a 100-mile buckle. All entrants receive a Land of Enchantment hoodie and a Day of the Dead DNF medal. A portion of registration fees will be donated to the Southern New Mexico Trail Alliance.

Packet pickup is scheduled at Bluebird Running Company, 136 S Water St, Las Cruces, on October 29 from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm, with additional pickup near the start area on race morning. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.