The Backyard Ultra is no ordinary race. Its endless loops and hourly starts push athletes beyond their limits – often for 24 hours or more. Success here isn’t just about speed or stamina; it’s about mastering the art of rest. This guide shares essential sleep strategies to help you recharge between loops, sharpen your focus, and sustain your strength throughout this one-of-a-kind endurance challenge.

A Backyard Ultra race isn’t only a test of endurance – it’s a battle of the mind. With no clear finish line and endless hours on the trail, mental toughness often determines who keeps standing. Just as you train your body, you must also train your mind to stay calm, focused, and resilient through every loop. This guide explores how to prepare mentally before, during, and after the event so you can face the challenge with confidence and grit.

As you prepare to take on the legendary test of endurance that is the Backyard Ultra, fuelling your body becomes your greatest ally. Unlike any other race, this event’s unpredictable length demands not just strength and strategy, but smart, adaptable nutrition. In this guide, you’ll discover key insights and practical tips to keep your energy steady, your mind sharp, and your spirit strong – so you can go farther, longer, and conquer the Backyard Ultra with confidence.

A Backyard Ultra is no ordinary race. Inspired by Lazarus Lake’s “Big’s Backyard Ultra,” it challenges runners to complete a 6.7 km loop every hour, on the hour – until only one remains. With no finish line and no guarantees, success demands grit, patience, and relentless endurance. This guide breaks down the key components of training for a Backyard Ultra – blending physical preparation, mental toughness, smart race strategy, and effective recovery to help you go farther than you thought possible.

Are you ready to take on the ultimate test of endurance and mental strength? The Backyard Ultra is a relentless, looped ultramarathon designed to push you to your absolute limits – and beyond. These ten essential tips will help you prepare, perform, and persevere through every loop.

We’ve gathered some of the most common questions about the legendary Backyard Ultra – the endurance race that tests runners like no other.