Little Bitty Backyard

Little Bitty Backyard : The Running Kind

Little Bitty Backyard is a last person standing backyard ultra held at the Wildlands Conservancy South Mountain Preserve in Emmaus, PA. Runners complete a repeating loop each hour and are eliminated if they miss the start for the next loop; the event continues until only one finisher remains.

The chosen loop is about 3.4 miles with 350+ ft of elevation change over challenging trail terrain. Organizers note the course is somewhat harder than the standard backyard format. Loop times for the Backyard are not chip timed; the exact lap time is not the focus.

Race rules allocate each runner a 10 by 10 foot transition space for a tent, cot, aid station, or gear. Crew may assist at that space, but pacers are not allowed. Runners must return to the corral before the bell for the next loop or they are out.

The event includes a returning nighttime loop called Blackout, which covers one circuit of the backyard course and will be chip timed. The event is run with zero carbon measures; a registration fee covers carbon offsets for travel and the organizers partner with Change Climate. The event also collects donations for Wildlands Conservancy and accepts shoe donations for Sneakers 4 Good. The Trail Mix Fund can waive registration fees for applicants who meet its criteria. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.