Lion King Backyard Ultra

Event overview

The Lion King Backyard Ultra is scheduled for October 10, 2026 in Rolla, Missouri at Lions Club Park (1061 S Bishop Ave). The race follows the backyard ultra format: runners must complete repeated loops of 4.167 miles (metric equivalent 6.7056 km). Each loop must be completed within one hour. The winner is the last runner to complete one more loop than any other competitor; if no runner completes one more loop than everyone else, there is no winner.

Course and race rules

The lap course is a loop that starts and ends at a corral between the lake and the pavilions. The event uses a dirt trail lap during daylight and a paved out-and-back lap at night. The race will use the dirt trail for the first 11 laps (a total of 45.837 miles) before switching to the paved loop. Runners must start each loop when signaled and complete each loop to remain in the race. Competitors may not leave the course during a loop except for restrooms, and no personal aid is allowed during a loop; common aid stations are permitted. Artificial aids such as trekking poles are not allowed.

Facilities, aid and awards

The pavilions provide covered 10 x 10 spaces for each runner and access to water spigots and a charging station with 110 V plugs and USB outlets. Several porta-potties are located near the starting corral and at the 2-mile marks. The starting corral and halfway point will offer water, salt tablets, restrooms and staffed aid. Awards include a custom belt buckle for the winner, a bronze coin that grants entry to a related event, Hall of Fame recognition for top finishers, and ribbons indicating completed distance. Fifty percent of race profits are designated for charitable support: 30% to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and 20% to Lions Club Park. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.