Empower Backyard Ultra

Empower Backyard Ultra

Empower Backyard Ultra is a backyard ultra event held at Countryside YMCA in Lebanon, Ohio. The event has a capacity of 150 runners across three event options and is organized by Empower Ultras with YMCA hosting on their property.

The daytime course uses fairly smooth, wooded trails on YMCA grounds. The loop is 4.1667 miles, wheeled and measured for accuracy. Trails include some roots and rocks and can become muddy depending on weather. The nighttime course is an out-and-back on the Lebanon bike path, paved with no road crossings and no car traffic; it passes residential areas and features gradual downhill and uphill sections.

The event follows the backyard ultra format: runners complete the measured loop each hour under Lazarus Lake sanction until only one runner remains. Runners must be in the starting corral when the bell rings to continue and may not start late or receive outside aid after the bell. Crews are permitted with a limit of three crew members per runner at a time. Runners must provide their own aid; there is space near the start to set up a chair, cooler, or a small tent. Alcohol is not permitted. Water, coffee, and non-caffeinated Tailwind will be provided. Swag is provided to all entrants.

Distances and event options: Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

• Traditional backyard - last runner standing using 4.1667 mile loops
• 12 Hour Backyard - fixed 50 mile event (12 loops under backyard rules)
• 24 Hour Backyard - fixed 100 mile event (24 loops under backyard rules)