Mountain Lakes Backyard Ultra

Are you ready for an EPIC race like none other? The Mountain Lakes Backyard Ultra brought to you by Steep Endurance is back again in 2023 in the summer! The race is very simple. Can you run 4.1666666 miles in ONE hour and then continue to do it hour after hour after hour until you are the last runner standing?? It is true test of endurance, discipline, and determination!

The Mountain Lakes Backyard Ultra is an affiliated North American qualifying race for Big Dog's Backyard Ultra (organized by none other than Lazarus Lake of Barkley Marathons fame). Big Dog's Backyard Ultra. In 2018, the winner of Big Dog's Backyard Ultra lasted for 68 hours or 283.33 miles! In 2019, the race lasted 60 hours or 250 miles! That exclusive race is limited to only 75 participants.

NEW this year! We will have a ONE LOOP option at 8:15 AM on Saturday morning for those who want to experience the course and get a taste of what the Backyard runners are doing hour after hour.

Registration

Limited Edition Mountain Lakes Backyard Ultra T-shirts for all pre-registered runners before June 12 in the Backyard Ultra. One loop racers have an option to purchase shirt at registration. Please see event store link above.

Refund Policy: There will no refunds and/or no transfers of your registration or bib to any other person. Entry fees collected are used to develop and produce the event, starting well in advance of the race date--including permits, insurance, race supplies, course preparation, and administration.

Course Description

The Mountain Lakes Backyard Ultra has two different courses in staying with the theme of the event. The Day Loop consists of about a 50/50 mix of carriage roads and trails with approximately 450' of elevation change. The majority of the uphill elevation is in the first mile of the course (which is almost entirely on road/carriage road) and not technical at all. There is a trail section for about 1.5 miles in the middle of the loop that only has a few technical spots, but is otherwise fairly smooth and another short trail section near the end of the loop.

The night loop is a simple out and back on road/carriage roads completely inside the park. The course has approximately 500' of elevation change and is not technical at all. Please see the course maps, elevation charts, and videos on the Steep Endurance website.

Race Rules/Format

Please see the Steep Endurance website for very detailed info about race rules/format.

Awards

There can only be ONE winner (assuming they finish their last lap) We will have a "DNF" medal for everyone courtesy of Ragged Cuts as well as prizes for the top 3 podium from our sponsors.

For the ONE loop event, we will have medals for every finisher. In addition, awards from our sponsors will be given to the top 3 overall male/female runners.

Additional Info

For more info, please go to www.steependurance.com/mountain-lakes-backyard-ultra.html

Event's current local time: 2:05 AM ET