Kansas City Backyard Ultra
Plaza Area, United States • 7-9 Aug 2026
Event overview
Kansas City Backyard Ultra is a multi-format running event held in Kansas City, MO. The event includes a Last Runner Standing format plus timed events of 12 hours, 9 hours, 6 hours, and 3 hours. The race is an affiliated Silver qualifying race in the Backyard Ultra series. The Last Runner Standing format ends when one runner completes a final loop and is declared the winner.
Course and format
The course is on the Mill Creek Park Trail by the Country Club Plaza, with the start and finish near the J.C. Nichols Memorial Fountain. Each loop is made of four 1-mile laps on a mondo-like track surface. Runners must complete each loop within the allotted hour to continue. Timed event participants run in the opposite direction of the Last Runner Standing field. There is an aid station near the course every mile.
Rules, logistics and awards
Runners may not receive aid from crew while on the course and may not return to race HQ once a loop has started. Artificial aids such as trekking poles are not allowed. Each runner has a small area near the start to set a chair. Two crew members per runner are permitted. Restrooms are available near the start area. All Last Runner Standing participants receive a folding chair; all runners receive a branded buff, a cinch-tie bag, and a finisher sticker recording miles completed. Only the Last Runner Standing receives the event award. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.