Big's Backyard Ultra 2023

The Big's Backyard Ultra, an extreme ultra-marathon event, is set to return in 2023, drawing avid runners from around the globe. This unique race, held in Bell's Backyard Ultra, Arkansas, offers a challenge unlike any other – a continuous loop race with participants dropping out every hour until there's just one runner left standing.

Originating in 2006 and inspired by Lazarus Lake's "Last Person Standing" format, the Big's Backyard Ultra has garnered a reputation for its toughness and cult-like following. Each hour, at the top of the hour, a loop of approximately 4.167 miles (6.7 km) must be completed, with each participant starting a new loop as soon as the previous one finishes, regardless of how long it takes.

The Race Format: Last Person Standing

The race begins at 7:00 AM on the first day, with a starting loop. There's no set distance or time; the last person to drop out is the winner. Runners must start each new loop within a 60-second window following the hour's start. Failure to do so results in disqualification.

Participants can choose to run, walk, or crawl the loop, but they must complete it within the hour. There's no prescribed number of loops; in theory, the race could go on for days, as seen in 2018 when champion Harvey Lewis completed 234 loops, covering 976 miles (1,571 km), over a span of four days, seven hours, and 45 minutes.

A Race of attrition

The Big's Backyard Ultra is not about speed; it's about endurance, resilience, and pacing. Runners must conserve energy, manage pain, and avoid bonking due to exhaustion or low blood sugar. Staying hydrated and fueling properly are critical, with aid stations available mid-loop for the runners' convenience.

Strategies vary among runners, but common tactics include starting conservatively, maintaining a steady pace, and finding a comfortable zone where they can sustain their effort consistently. Some runners prefer to stick together in small groups or pairs, while others decide to go it alone.

The runners: Ordinary people doing extraordinary things

Big's Backyard Ultra attracts a diverse field of participants. Some are experienced ultra-runners with numerous finishes in 100-mile races, while others are first-timers hoping to test their limits. The race's remote location and challenging nature help to weed out casual or inexperienced runners, creating a niche community of dedicated and tough individuals.

Success at Big's Backyard Ultra is not merely about physical prowess; it's about mental fortitude, perseverance, and the ability to dig deep when the going gets tough. As Lazarus Lake often says, "You may not be able to change a bad situation, but you can always change the way you face it."

The Race Experience: More than Just a Challenge

A significant aspect of Big's Backyard Ultra is the community spirit. The shared suffering and the comradery that develops among runners bonds them, creating lasting friendships. The spectators, too, play a crucial role in mitigating the loneliness that can set in during prolonged periods of activity and promoting a supportive environment.

Each lap, runners and supporters exchange words of encouragement, helpful advice, or silly jokes, making even the darkest hours bearable. The experience fosters camaraderie and a sense of belonging in the ultra-running community, bringing runners from all walks of life together to push their own unique boundaries.

The appeal of the unknown

The Big's Backyard Ultra's Last Person Standing format appeals to runners because it offers an uncertain endpoint. There's no prestated distance, time, or course, providing runners the opportunity to chase only the definitive goal of being the last one standing. This pursuit of the unknown, the exploration of personal limits, makes the race extraordinarily attractive to many.

Regardless of the outcome, all participants achieve something remarkable. They prove to themselves that they can dig deeper, persevere longer, and enjoy the process even in the face of immense challenge. The Big's Backyard Ultra, in essence, is not just a race; it's a testament to human endurance and the power of the mind over matter.

Preparing for the Big's Backyard Ultra

If you're considering tackling the Big's Backyard Ultra, it's essential to prepare physically and mentally. A solid base of running mileage, experience at ultra-marathon distances, and a well-honed pacing strategy are all crucial. Additionally, veteran runners recommend learning to 'dig deep' during training runs, accepting discomfort as a normal part of the process, and developing coping mechanisms to manage the mental strain.

Certain physical aspects, such as nutrition, hydration, and injury prevention, are also paramount. Practical tips from seasoned runners include mastering the art of on-the-run fueling, practicing fastidious cleanliness to avoid blisters and chafing, and packing efficient, comfortable equipment tailored to individual needs.

The Big's Backyard Ultra 2023 promises to be another test of human will, a celebration of endurance, and an unforgettable experience for all involved. As race director Lazarus Lake puts it, "The only person you're ever competing with is the raging demon inside you that tells you to quit." So, get ready to battle that demon and see who comes out on top in Bell's Backyard, Arkansas, in 2023.