Black Hills Backyard Ultra

Black Hills Backyard Ultra, Spearfish SD

Black Hills Backyard Ultra is a backyard-style ultramarathon held near Spearfish, South Dakota at the Big Hill trailhead on Tinton Road. The course uses Big Hill Loop A plus a 0.6 mile out-and-back on Loop D to create a single lap of 4.167 miles with about 375 ft of elevation gain and loss per loop. The trail system is wide and smooth, originally developed for cross country skiing; the start and finish sit at the high point and each loop descends nearly 200 feet in the first half before climbing back.

The event is hosted by the Black Hills Runner's Club, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit operating under a conditional use permit from the US Forest Service. There is no WiFi or cell service at the trailhead; a signal requires traveling several miles back toward Spearfish. The course elevation ranges from about 5,200 to 5,400 ft.

The format requires a new loop to begin every hour. Runners must be in the starting corral when the bell rings to start a lap and may not receive outside aid once a lap has started until they complete that lap. Trekking poles and pacers are prohibited. Spectators must remain in the aid station area or the meadow near the start and finish.

On-site aid offers hot and cold food, water, gels, basic snacks, ice, and occasional grilled items. Free camping is available in the trailhead parking lot; facilities are limited to a vault toilet.

Milestone awards include: Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

• Ultramarathon at 7 loops
• 50k at 8 loops
• 50 miles at 12 loops
• 100k at 15 loops
• 100 miles at 24 loops