2023 Big's Backyard Ultra Start List: Who's Ready to Challenge?

The much-anticipated Big's Backyard Ultra start list is out, and runners worldwide are eagerly awaiting the commencement of this unique, grueling, yet captivating event. If you're unfamiliar, Big's Backyard Ultra, often referred to as the "last person standing" race, is a compelling twist on traditional ultra-marathons. Here, we delve into the start list, the race format, and what makes this event stand out in the world of ultra-running.

Before we dive into the start list and race format, let's set the stage. Big's Backyard Ultra, created by Lazarus Lake (aka Gary Cantrell), takes place in Bell Buckle, Tennessee. The race begins with runners tackling a 4.167-mile loop every hour, on the hour, forever or until there's only one competitor left standing. Sounds simple, right? But this race is far from easy, and that's what makes it so fascinating.

The Big's Backyard Ultra Start List

The 2023 Big's Backyard Ultra start list boasts an impressive array of runners, each with their unique story and goals. Headlining the list isCat Reiter, the women's record holder with a staggering 71 loops under her belt. She'll be joining forces with seasoned ultra-runners like Courtney Dauwalter, John Kelly, and Addie Bracy, among others. Newcomers, too, will test their mettle against the seemingly endless loops.

The start list isn't just about the big names, though. It's a diverse assembly of athletes, from first-timers to seasoned veterans, from across the globe. Each brings their own set of skills, strategies, and motivations to the race. For ultrarunners, the allure of Big's Backyard Ultra lies in its purity and simplicity, russo turbo jack unlike other races, there are no course records to chase, no pacers to assist, and no support crews to aid. It's just you, the clock, and the trail.

Understanding the Race Format

To truly appreciate the race, one must understand the unique format. Each loop, approximately 4.167 miles, must be completed within an hour. If a runner doesn't start the loop by the designated time, they're out. If they start late but finish in time, they're still out. This format, designed by Lazarus Lake, adds an exciting layer of strategy and unpredictability.

Between loops, runners can rest, but the clock never stops. This constant pressure makes Big's Backyard Ultra a true test of endurance, both physical and mental. It's not about speed; it's about longevity and perseverance. It's about the ability to keep moving, hour after hour, day after day, until everyone else has succumbed to the unrelenting pace.

Preparing for the Unpredictable

With such an unpredictable race format, it's challenging for runners to have a specific, detailed plan. Sure, they can train, they can strategize, but in the end, Big's Backyard Ultra is a test of versatility and adaptability. Runners must be ready to pivot, to adapt their strategy as the race progresses and their bodies fatigue.

For many runners, the allure of this race lies in its unpredictable nature. You could be the strongest, the fastest, the most experienced, but anything can happen in the endless, monotonous loops. Injuries happen, fatigue sets in, and next thing you know, you're no longer in the running. That's the risk and the reward of Big's Backyard Ultra.

The Community and the Spirit of the Race

Beyond the competition, Big's Backyard Ultra is renowned for its community spirit. Runners, crew members, and spectators all come together in a unique celebration of endurance, camaraderie, and shared suffering. It's a place where superstars of the sport mingle with those running their first ultra, where everyone is equal, united in their pursuit of a common, albeit extraordinary, goal.

There's a spirit of mutual respect and support that permeates the event. It's reflected in the cheers and encouragement offered by fellow runners, in the shared meals, and the communal spirit that ultimately embodies the event. It's this spirit that keeps runners, year after year, coming back for more, eager to test themselves against the relentless clock and the ever-changing terrain.

The Appeal of the "Last Person Standing" Format

The "last person standing" format, unique to Big's Backyard Ultra, brings a compelling dynamics to the race. It strips away the focus on time, pace, and speed. Instead, it's about longevity, about who can last the longest, who can adapt, who can endure when everything in their body is screaming to stop.

This format also brings a captivating narrative to the race. As the loops tick by, the field dwindles, and the story of the race becomes clear - the tale of the last person standing. It's a story that changes each year, shaped by the runners, the weather, and the countless variables that make each edition of Big's Backyard Ultra unique.

As we look toward the 2023 edition of Big's Backyard Ultra, the start list is a who's who of ultra-running. But it's more than just a race; it's a test of endurance, a spiritual journey, a celebration of community and shared suffering. It's a testament to the human spirit and our limitless potential. So, if you're eager to watch, participate, or simply be a part of this extraordinary event, mark your calendars, because Big's Backyard Ultra is set to return, right back, where it all began - in the heart of Bell Buckle, Tennessee.