2026 Backyard Ultra

2026 Backyard Ultra

Join us for the second running of the Day of the Dead edition of the Land of Enchantment Back Yard Ultra, beginning on October 30th, 2026. The Prehistoric Trackways National Monument features a network of well-maintained trails, primarily composed of crushed gravel, with some elevation changes. This YARD will offer scenic views of the Organ Mountain range and will "simply" test a runner's limits.

The Day of the Dead Land of Enchantment Backyard Ultra takes place at the Prehistoric Trackways National Monument in Las Cruces, NM, allowing a large area for personal aid setup around the start/finish area, along with campsites and parking.

The Land of Enchantment Backyard is a "last runner standing" format event with a 4.17-mile "yard" starting every hour, on the hour, until there is only one remaining. All participants will receive a Land of Enchantment hoodie, a Day of the Dead DNF medal, and fully stocked aid station support. Runners completing 24 yards will receive a 100-mile buckle.

Backyard Format Rules:

• Each lap will be completed on a 4.167-mile lollipop-style loop within the Prehistoric Trackways National Monument.
• Exactly one hour after a backyard ultra's first starting time, the competitors run 4.167 miles (6.706 km) with a one-hour window (minimum 14:23 minutes per mile) to finish.
• The race is won when a single runner successfully completes a yard alone within the one-hour time limit.
• In order to remain in the competition, the runners must be in the starting box when the hourly bell sounds.
• Except for relieving themselves, the runners are not allowed to leave the course. Personal assistance is forbidden on the course, but allowed between laps.
• There will be an aid station at the start/finish to assist all competitors.

Packet Pickup:

• Thursday, October 29th, 3 pm - 6 pm at Bluebird Running of Las Cruces (136 S Water St, Las Cruces, NM 88001)
• Friday morning, starting at 6 am near the start/finish area within the Pehistoric Trackways.

A portion of each registration will be donated to the Southern New Mexico Trail Alliance.