Natural State Backyard Ultra (High School National Championship & Open Division)

Natural State Backyard Ultra (High School National Championship & Open Division)

Sat March 14 - Sat April 25, 2026

North Little Rock, AR 72118 US

Events

• Backyard Ultra - High School Division
  Price: $72
  Date Range: 03/14
  Time: 8:00AM CDT
  Registration ends March 1, 2026 at 11:59pm CST
• Backyard Ultra - Open Division
  Price: $72
  Date Range: 04/25
  Time: 8:00AM CDT
  Registration ends March 1, 2026 at 11:59pm CST

Race Website: http://www.epopeo.net

Join us for the second annual Natural State Backyard Ultra which is the location for the High School Ultramarathon National Championship hosted by Epopeo in North Little Rock, Arkansas on March 14-15. Compete with other high school endurance athletes from around the country for the opportunity to be the High School Ultramarathon National Champion. The Backyard Ultra format allows any level of runner the opportunity to compete whether they have competed in ultras in the past. To compete in the High School Division, the participant must not have graduated earlier than 2026. There is a separate Open Division for all adults and runners not classified in the High School Division.

Place: 1 Soccer Avenue, North Little Rock, AR 72118 Burns Park Field 3 Parking Lot

Description: Racer Check-In and Start

Racers check in: Saturday, March 14, 2026, 6:00-7:30 a.m. The check-in and start are located at the starting tent at the address above. The race will begin at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 14, 2026.

Backyard Ultra Format:

A backyard ultra is a type of ultramarathon where runners complete a short, 4.167-mile loop every hour, with the race ending when only one participant remains to finish a lap, essentially making it a "last one standing" competition; the winner is the runner who completes the most loops before all others drop out, with no predetermined finish distance or time limit, making it a grueling test of mental and physical endurance.

Official Rules:

• Starts: Each 4.167-mile loop starts precisely 1 hour after the last. Warnings will be given 3, 2, and 1 minutes before the start of each loop. All participants must be in the starting corral and start at the bell (no late starts). Corral location stays the same throughout the race.
• Loops: Except for restrooms, competitors may not leave the course until each loop is completed. No non-competitors on the course (including eliminated runners and crew). No personal aid during a loop (each runner must be self-sufficient while on the loop). Each loop must be completed within an hour to be counted (including the final lap). No artificial aids (including trekking poles). Slower runners must allow passes.
• Winner/Results: The winner is the last person to complete a loop (in each division). All others are technically DNF. Results of each runner in terms of distance covered are to be given. If no runner can complete one more loop than anyone else, there is no winner.

Aid & Refreshment Stations:

There will be food and drink provided (bring your own cup). Public bathrooms and water are available near the starting tent. Basic first aid supplies will be available at the starting tent.

Supplies:

Runners are allowed to return to cars or personal tents between each loop. Runners have the option to bring a support crew but support can only be provided after each loop.

Safety:

Volunteers will be posted at road crossings for safety. A police officer will be present past 9:00 pm. A medic will be present at the starting area for the duration of the race for any medical-related needs.

Course Description:

The course is an easy, wooded, flat 4.167-mile loop with an elevation of only 168’. The terrain is mostly packed dirt with only a few rocky sections and less than ½ mile of pavement. The trail can become very muddy during the wet season and after rainstorms. The trail is well-marked with blue & white tape and blue flags.

Awards:

High School Men's Champion, High School Women's Champion, Open Division Men's Champion, Open Division Women's Champion. Recognition will be given to any participant who finishes 7 laps, officially running an ultramarathon distance. After each runner's final lap they will receive an award with their total covered distance in laps.

Refunds and Inclement Weather Policy:

No Refunds. No Inclement Weather Policy. Race will be held regardless of temperature or precipitation (forecast or actual). The race director reserves the right to cancel or delay the race for the safety of the participants.