Lion King Backyard Ultra

Event overview

Lion King Backyard Ultra is a backyard ultra held in Rolla, MO at Lions Club Park (1061 S Bishop Ave). The race uses a repeating loop of 4.167 miles (6.706 kilometers). Runners complete consecutive loops; each completed loop counts toward the total. Completing 24 loops equals just over 100 miles. The winner is the last runner to complete one more loop than the runner with the second most laps, who is called the "assist." Prizes include a custom belt buckle, a bronze coin, a cash prize, and ribbons showing distance completed. Top finishers are inducted into the event Hall of Fame.

Course, rules and facilities

The course is a 4.167 mile loop that is a dirt trail during daytime laps and a paved out-and-back at night. The first 11 laps total about 45.837 miles on the dirt trail; subsequent laps use the paved trail. Each loop must be completed within one hour to count. Competitors must remain on course during a loop except for restrooms, may use common aid stations but not personal aid while on a loop, and may not use artificial aids. The start/finish corral sits between the lake and pavilions. On-site features include covered pavilions with dedicated 10 x 10 spaces, water spigots, a charging station with 110V plugs and USB outlets, porta-potties near the corral and at midcourse, and aid at the corral and halfway point. Fifty percent of race profits are donated: 30% to a suicide and crisis prevention hotline and 20% to Lions Club Park. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.