Kansas City Backyard Ultra

Race Format

The Kansas City Backyard Ultra is a "Last Runner Standing" event. The challenge is to complete a loop of 4.16667 miles within one hour. This loop must then be repeated every hour. The last remaining runner who completes a final solo loop is the winner. All other participants receive a "Did Not Finish" (DNF) result, with their official result being the total miles accumulated.

Location and Course

The event is held at Mill Creek Park on the Country Club Plaza in Kansas City, Missouri. The start and finish area is by the J.C. Nichols Memorial Fountain. The course consists of four one-mile laps on the Mill Creek Park Trail, totaling one loop. The trail has a mondo-like track surface.

Additional Events

Alongside the Last Runner Standing race, there are timed running events: 3-hour, 6-hour, 9-hour, and 12-hour distances. These all begin on Saturday morning. Participants in the timed events run in the opposite direction on the course from the Last Runner Standing participants. A primary aid station is available each mile.

Rules and Aid

The event follows standard Backyard Ultra rules. Runners must start each new loop on the hour from the start corral. No artificial aids or crew assistance is allowed on the course. Runners are responsible for their own aid, though water and coffee are provided for runners at the start area. Each runner may have a maximum of two crew members.

Participant Items

All Last Runner Standing participants receive a folding chair. All runners receive a buff, a cinch-tie bag, and a finisher car sticker with their covered distance. A dry-fit tank top is also offered. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.