Sole Survivor Backyard Ultra

Sole Survivor Backyard Ultra - September 12, 2026

NEW INFO: We have moved race start to a Saturday instead of a Friday. Hope you can join us! Once again this year's race will have belt buckles! That's right. If you make it to 100-miles (or further) you will be awarded a custom-made Sole Survivor belt buckle! If your plan is to run 50-miles or even 100K, you still have PLENTY of time to re-think your race plans and push to 24 hours. You can do it! I've got your buckle waiting!

This unique race concept does not require you to be the fastest, it only requires you to be the toughest. This event was inspired by Gary Cantrell's (AKA Lazarus Lake's) "Big's Backyard Ultra" held in Tennesee. At the top of every hour a 4.16-mile trail run will begin. Each runner is required to run this loop before the hour is up. Then, at the top of the next hour, you all leave for the same 4.16-mile loop again. It's that easy. The run will continue as such until only one person remains. That last person will have to complete one last 4.16-mile loop on their own at which point they will be the finisher. All other entrants will be granted a "DNF" as they failed to run as far as the finisher. This means the race may continue overnight and into the next day. This also means that the distance of the race isn't determined by the "sole survivor", it means that it's determined by the person that drops out last!

There will be one aid station (at the start/finish) and it will have the typical aid station fare. If you have any special needs or requests please ask the RD or bring it yourself. At dusk (or when the RD gets hungry) we'll fire up a BBQ and cook up some grub for everyone. If you have anything you wish to bring for the BBQ feel free.

Sole Survivor is currently an "affiliate" event of Big's Backyard Ultra. Big's Backyard is the world championship event for this race format. The winner of Sole Survivor will become eligible to enter Big's. If entry is granted, Sole Survivor will pay the airfare for the lucky (unlucky?) entrant! (up to $500)

Rules:

• All runners need to be present at least 30 minutes before the start of the race.
• At 3 minutes, 2 minutes and 1 minute before the top of each hour a whistle will be blown notifying the runners how much time is left before the race start.
• At the top of every hour a 4.16667-mile trail run will begin.
• Absolutely NO late starts will be allowed.
• Each runner is required to “answer the bell”.
• The Race Director is the official keeper of time.
• The trails will be well marked and a map of the route will be available.
• If you get lost during the loop, backtrack to where you last saw a course marker and continue the loop.
• Each runner is required to run this entire loop before the hour (60 minutes) is over.
• The time needed to complete the loop does not matter, only that the runner be back at the start before the hour expires.
• After completing the 4.16667-mile loop, each runner may use their time between loops to do as they please (eat, tend to their feet, change clothes, use the port-a-potty, etc.) However they cannot leave the venue, nor can they start their next loop early.
• Bring a camp chair, warm clothes, sleeping bag or blankets as it may get chilly overnight.
• If a runner elects to drop out and call it quits, he/she must present themselves to the Race Director BEFORE the next loop has started.
• The run will continue as such every hour until only two runners remain.
• Slower runners must allow faster runners to pass.
• Do NOT litter.
• Stay on the trails.
• No pacers are allowed.
• The last person to drop out is granted with the “assist”, as they determined the length of the race.
• The event is officially over when the lone “finisher” (our sole survivor) completes his solo lap alone.
• Have fun and support your fellow runners!

FAQ:

• Trail: 40-feet of elevation gain per 4.167 mile loop. First 0.4 miles on pavement, rest is single track. About 30-40% shaded.
• Camping: Pop-up canopies provided (first-come, first-served). You may bring your own. Camping in your space is allowed.
• Crew: Yes, friends & family can cheer you on and crew, but cannot run the course with you. They shall stay in the parking lot.
• Food: Aid station at start/finish with typical food. Hot soup (vegan and chicken noodle) for overnight runners.
• Beer: No liquor permit obtained.
• Marathon Maniac / Half Fanatic: May count if enough entrants finish specific distances.
• Distances: Marathon (7 hours), 50K (8 hours), 50 miles (12 hours), 100K (15 hours), 100 miles (24 hours).