Sparks Backyard Ultra
Sparks, United States • 20 Jun 2026
Sparks Backyard Ultra
The Sparks Backyard Ultra takes place at the Sparks Marina in Sparks, Nevada. This event follows the traditional backyard ultra format, where participants must complete a 4.167 mile course every hour. The competition continues until only one person remains capable of completing a lap within the time limit. The course consists of a little over two laps around the Sparks Marina, with an additional short loop around the Veteran's Plaza and Peninsula at the start of each segment to ensure the distance is accurate.
The event is an official member of the Backyard Ultra Association. Participants who reach the 100 mile mark are added to the list for potential selection for the World Individual Championships. In addition to the open-ended main event, the venue offers several timed "mini-Backyard" options:
- 3 hours
- 6 hours
- 12 hours
- 24 hours
Participants in these timed segments must run for the entire duration of their chosen time to be considered finishers.
The event includes aid stations providing water, ice, Heed, and standard snacks such as pretzels, chips, and gels. Tents, chairs, and cots are available on-site, and participants may set up their own personal aid stations. Rules stipulate that no trekking poles or artificial aids are allowed, and runners must not leave the course until a yard is completed, except for bathroom breaks. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.