Empower Backyard Ultra

Lebanon, United States • 8 Nov 2025

Event overview

Empower Backyard Ultra is scheduled for November 8, 2025 at Countryside YMCA in Lebanon, Ohio. The event has a capacity of 150 runners across three event options: traditional backyard, a new 12 hour backyard, and a new 24 hour backyard. Registration closes on Tue, Nov 4 at 11:59 PM ET. Swag is guaranteed for entrants who register by October 4. Entry fees change by date: early, mid, and late pricing windows are listed with higher fees after each deadline.

Course, distances and rules

The daytime loop uses fairly smooth, wooded trails on YMCA property with small elevation change, occasional roots and rocks, and potential mud. The night loop is an out-and-back on the Lebanon bike path with no road crossings or car traffic and only gradual slopes. The course loop has been wheeled and measured.

  • 4.1667 miles per loop
  • 12 Hour Backyard - 50 miles (12 loops required)
  • 24 Hour Backyard - 100 miles (24 loops required)

The event follows the backyard ultra format and is Lazarus Lake sanctioned. Every hour runners line up to run the loop until only one runner remains. Runners must be in the starting corral when the bell rings or they may not continue. No late starts, no aid after the bell, and no leaving the course after the bell except to use the bathroom. Runners must provide their own aid; crews are limited to three people at a time. A small area for a chair, cooler, and tent staging is provided. Alcohol is not permitted. Water, coffee, and non-caffeinated Tailwind will be available. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

Race information

100 mi
24 Hour Backyard Ultra - 100 Miles Fixed End
50 mi
12 Hour Backyard Ultra - 50 Miles Fixed End
4 mi
Traditional Backyard Ultra - 4.1667 Miles per Loop, Hourly Loops Until One Winner Remains
Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
Trail runs nearby

The Caesar Creek Trail Race, held in Waynesville, Ohio, offers a variety of trail running events over a weekend in October. Participants can choose from a half marathon, 10K, 5K, 20K relay, and a unique "6 Hours of Power" endurance event. T..

The 6 Hours of Power at Caesar Creek State Park in Waynesville, Ohio, is a unique endurance running event where participants complete as many 5K loops as possible within six hours. The race requires a minimum of four loops to officially fin..

Event The Double Days 48 Hour Race is scheduled for October 17-18, 2025 in West Alexandria, Ohio, at 2575 St Rt 35E. The event offers timed endurance options: 48-Hour, 24-Hour, 12-Hour Run, and 12-Hour Ruck. Course and on-site features The..

The ORRRC Cross Country Trail 5k, presented by the Ohio River Road Runners Club, is held in Centerville, Ohio, with a 5k course on Grant Park trails. Marketed as a "small race," it relies on a volunteer team to offer a high-quality experien..

Haunted Trail Run 5k/10k, a Halloween-themed race, is held Saturday, October 25, 2025 at French Shelter Park in Cincinnati, OH. The course offers a 5K route and a 10K route (two loops of 5K). The event blends spooky atmosphere with running,..

Germantown Trail Race is a Wolf Pack Adventures trail event held at Germantown MetroPark, Morning Glory Shelter, Germantown, OH. The race features a 5K trail loop that starts and finishes at the Morning Glory Shelter, with about 150 feet of..