Lion King Backyard Ultra

Lion King Backyard Ultra

Lion King Backyard Ultra is a backyard ultra held at Lions Club Park in Rolla, Missouri. The event uses a fixed loop of 4.167 miles (6.706 kilometers) that each competitor must complete within an hour. The race has no predetermined finish; competitors keep running one loop per hour until one runner completes one more loop than any other.

The course is a dirt trail loop during daytime and a paved loop at night. The first eleven loops use the dirt trail for about 45.8 miles, then the course switches to the paved route that follows a creek. The daylight trail passes through mature maple, oak, dogwood, ash and elm trees and several cedar groves; the final 0.167 mile returns to the starting corral on pavement. The paved night loop is flat and out and back through rural countryside with typical local wildlife.

Course rules require competitors to start each loop on the bell and complete each loop within an hour. Runners may not leave the course during a loop except for restrooms. Personal aid on a loop is not allowed but common aid stations are provided. Artificial aids are prohibited. A visible running timer tracks elapsed time.

Aid is available at the starting corral and at the halfway point with water, salt tablets and staff support. Pavilions at the corral provide covered 10 by 10 spaces for runners and crews, water spigots, a charging station with 110 volt plugs and USB outlets, and nearby porta potties. Crew camping is permitted in a designated area during race hours.

Awards include a crown as Lion King or Queen with a custom belt buckle, a bronze coin and a sponsor swag bag. Top male, top female and the assist are entered into the event Hall of Fame. All finishers receive a ribbon showing laps and miles completed. Fifty percent of race profits will be split to support the 988 Suicide and Crisis Prevention hotline and Lions Club Park. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.