Ohio's Backyard Ultra

Event overview

Ohio's Backyard Ultra takes place on Saturday, March 21, 2026 at McChesney Ridge Athletic Club in Lucasville, Ohio. The race follows the Backyard Ultra "last person standing" format: runners complete a measured loop of 4.1667 miles each hour and the event continues in hourly loops until only one runner completes a final loop alone. The course alternates between a measured trail loop for daytime laps and an out-and-back road section for night laps. Runners must be in the starting area when each new loop begins and may not start late once the loop begins. Crew support is allowed but limited to one crew member per runner.

Course, logistics and entry

The day course is two loops of 2.08 miles (total 4.1667 miles), with about 450–475 feet of elevation gain and no pavement. The night course is an out-and-back measured at 4.1667 miles with about 150 feet of elevation gain and includes a road section. Amenities include porta-potties near the start line, water, coffee, some hot food options, a campsite area for runners and crews, and an entrant t-shirt. The field is capped at 110 runners. Registration includes an early-consideration window, a general first-come/first-served window, five reserved elite spots, and a private waitlist once capacity is reached. The organizer offers refunds based on the timing of withdrawal: 100% refund 45+ days prior, 50% refund 20–44 days prior, and no refund 0–19 days prior. Prizes include $500 and a commemorative prize for the Last Person Standing; all other finishers receive a DNF coin. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.