Sparks Backyard Ultra

Sparks Backyard Ultra

Sparks Backyard Ultra is a Backyard Ultra Association qualifying event held May 22, 2027 at Sparks Marina, 300 Howard Drive, Sparks, Nevada. The event is organized by Sparks Ultras.

Runners complete a 4.167 mile course each hour until only one person completes a yard that no one else can match. The marina loop is 1.95 miles; each yard begins with a short additional loop around Veteran's Plaza and the Peninsula to reach the required distance. Mini Backyard races are available with fixed durations:

• 3 hour mini Backyard
• 6 hour mini Backyard
• 12 hour mini Backyard
• 24 hour mini Backyard

Core rules include that a competitor may not leave the course during a yard except for bathroom breaks, no personal aid is allowed during a yard, each yard must be completed in less than one hour, and no artificial aids are permitted. Slower runners must yield to faster runners. The overall winner is the last person to complete a yard; if no one completes an extra yard beyond others, there is no winner.

On-course support includes water, ice, Heed, and typical aid station items such as pretzels, chips, and gels. Tents, chairs, and cots will be available; runners may use personal aid stations and bring their own food and drinks. Food trucks will be present during meal times for paid purchases.

Awards include a belt buckle and a 100-mile finisher flannel shirt for those who reach 100 miles, finishers awards for at least five yards, overall and age-group awards, and finish awards for the mini Backyard events. Entrants are eligible for selection opportunities on national and world Backyard Ultra teams. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.