Black Hills Backyard Ultra

Black Hills Backyard Ultra

Black Hills Backyard Ultra is a last runner standing backyard ultra held at the Big Hill trailhead near Spearfish, South Dakota. The event is hosted by the Black Hills Runner's Club, a 501(c)(3) non-profit operating under a conditional use permit from the US Forest Service. Free camping is available in the trailhead parking area and surrounding national forest land; facilities are limited to a vault toilet.

The course uses Big Hill Loop A with a 0.6 mile out and back section of Loop D to create a lap distance of 4.167 miles. Each loop has about 375 ft of elevation gain and loss. Trails are described as wide and smooth to allow side by side running and passing. The start and finish are located at the high point of the course; each loop trends downward roughly 200 feet in the first half and climbs back in the second half.

Format and rules emphasize self sufficiency and fairness. A new loop begins on a strict hourly schedule and runners who do not complete a loop or fail to return to the starting corral in time are eliminated. Trekking poles and pacers are prohibited. Runners may receive outside aid only between loops. The winner is the runner who completes one more lap than any other competitor.

An aid station at the start/finish will offer hot and cold food, snacks, water, ice, and basic race supplies. There is no WiFi or cell service at the trailhead, and event shirts are cash only at the start. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.