The Sole Survivor Backyard Ultra is a true test of grit, toughness, and community. Inspired by Lazarus Lake’s legendary Big’s Backyard Ultra, this event challenges runners not to be the fastest, but to be the last one left moving. Every hour on the hour, runners set off on a 4.16-mile loop. Complete it within the hour and you earn the right to line up again. Miss the cutoff, and your race ends with a DNF.

The beauty of this format is that everyone is “tied” at the end of each lap. It doesn’t matter if you’re cruising or grinding; if you’re back before the bell, you’re still in. The question isn’t how fast you can run, but how long you can endure. Runners can push themselves to distances they never thought possible: a marathon in seven loops, 50K in eight, 50 miles in twelve, and 100 miles in twenty-four. Complete 24 hours (100 miles) and you’ll take home a custom Sole Survivor belt buckle. Go further, and you’ll etch your name into the race’s growing lore.

Expect a supportive atmosphere with a single aid station, BBQ at dusk, hot soup for the night shift, and plenty of camaraderie around the start/finish. The winner earns a coveted entry into Big’s Backyard Ultra and airfare support. This is more than a race; it’s a community gathering of endurance, willpower, and the simple joy of seeing how far you can go.