Empower Backyard Ultra

Empower Backyard Ultra : June 27, 2026

Empower Backyard Ultra is held at Countryside YMCA in Lebanon, Ohio (1699 Deerfield Rd). The event has a capacity of 150 runners across three events: a traditional backyard format and fixed 12-hour and 24-hour backyard options.

The course for daytime loops is a wheeled, measured 4.1667 mile loop on fairly smooth, wooded trails with small elevation change, roots, and rocks; wet weather can produce muddy conditions. The night course is an out-and-back on the Lebanon bike path (2.08 miles out, 2.08 miles back), with no road crossings and no car traffic; it passes residential areas where quiet is expected. The course was modified in 2026 with the tent area and start/finish moved to the lower lot by the smaller shelter and bathrooms.

Event format follows Backyard Ultra rules: runners line up to run the 4.1667 mile loop at the start of each hour until only one runner remains. Runners must be in the starting corral when the bell rings, may not start late, and may leave the course while a loop is in progress only for bathroom use. Crews are limited to three people per runner at a time. Runners must provide their own aid; nearby amenities include a staging area for tents and a small personal setup area near the start/finish. Alcohol is not permitted. Water, coffee, and non-caffeinated Tailwind will be provided.

Key logistics: packet pickup on YMCA grounds (Friday and Saturday); swag deadline to guarantee items is 5/30. Registration closes 6/22/2026. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.