Lion King Backyard Ultra

Lion King Backyard Ultra - Rolla, MO

Lion King Backyard Ultra is a backyard ultra event held in Rolla, Missouri on October 10, 2026 at Lions Club Park. The format uses repeated loops of 4.167 miles (6.706 kilometers). Each loop must be completed within one hour and each new loop begins exactly one hour after the previous. The event has no predetermined end; the winner is the last runner to complete one more loop than any other competitor.

The course is a loop that is a dirt trail during daytime and a paved out and back at night. The daytime loop runs through mature deciduous forest, cedar groves, fields and finishes with a short paved straight into the starting corral. The nighttime paved section follows a creek and passes through rural countryside with local wildlife. Aid is available at the starting corral and at a halfway point with water, Tailwind, salt tablets, restrooms and staff. Porta potties are located next to the corral and at the two mile mark.

Onsite facilities include covered pavilions that provide a dedicated 10 by 10 space for each runner and crew, water spigots, and a charging station with 110 volt plugs and USB outlets. The event is affiliated with Bigs Backyard and the winner receives a bronze coin that grants entry to a silver ticket event. Fifty percent of event profits are allocated to local causes and the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.