Lion King Backyard Ultra

Event overview

Lion King Backyard Ultra is a backyard-ultra style race scheduled for Saturday, October 10, 2026 in Rolla, Missouri at Lions Club Park (1061 S Bishop Ave). The format requires competitors to complete repeated 4.167 mile (6.706 km) laps. Each lap must be completed within one hour and there is no predetermined finish distance or time. The winner is the last runner to complete one more lap than any other competitor. Prizes include a custom belt buckle and a bronze coin that grants entry to a silver ticket event; top finishers and the assist are recognized in the event Hall of Fame. Ribbons record each finisher’s completed laps and miles.

Course and logistics

The course is a 4.167 mile loop that runs around a pond and through mixed forest. Laps use a dirt trail during daytime and a paved out-and-back section along a creek after that initial stretch; the first 11 laps total about 45.837 miles on the dirt trail before the course switches to pavement. The starting corral is next to large pavilions that provide covered 10 x 10 spaces for each runner and crew. Water spigots, a charging station with 110V and USB outlets, and multiple porta-potties are available near the corral and at the 2-mile mark. Common aid stations provide water, salt tablets and staff; personal aid is not allowed while on a loop. Crew camping is permitted during race hours. Fifty percent of event profits will be split to support the 988 Suicide & Crisis Prevention hotline (30%) and Lions Club Park (20%). Photos from the race will be posted on the event Facebook page. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.