uk backyard ultra at large list

UK Backyard Ultra: The Comprehensive 'At Large' List

By William AndersonFebruary 27, 2026

Immersing yourself in the world of ultra-running? Then, you'll have heard about the Backyard Ultra, the brainchild of Lazarus Lake, creator of the iconic Barkley Marathons. Hosted around the globe, this unique event offers an unparalleled challenge. But where can you find these races? Let's explore the large list of Backyard Ultra events worldwide.

Before we dive in, let's briefly overview the Backyard Ultra format. Runners meet at a specified location to run a 4.16667 mile (6.7 km) loop every hour, on the hour, until one runner remains. The last person standing becomes the ultra winner. Now, let's look at where these extraordinary events take place.

North America

North America hosts an array of Backyard Ultra events. From the USA to Canada, here are some notable races:

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Big Dog's Backyard Ultra. Started by Lazarus Lake himself, this Tennessee event sets the standard for Backyard Ultra races globally.
Idlopalooza, a Backyard Ultra in Idaho, is known for its scenic trails and vibrant community.
Atomic 5-year Endurance Challenge, a Backyard Ultra in Minnesota, runs annually, celebrating the race's unique format.

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United States: The Major Races

Some major Backyard Ultra events in the USA include:

Event	State	Date
Big Dog's Backyard Ultra	Tennessee	September
Idlopalooza	Idaho	July
Atomic 5-year Endurance Challenge	Minnesota	October

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Canada's Backyard Ultras

In Canada, you'll find several Backyard Ultra events, such as:

Reckless 24 in British Columbia, a Backyard Ultra and 24-hour race rolled into one.
Capzzzle's Backyard Ultra in Ontario, offering a chance to run on challenging trails.

an aerial view of a backyard with seating and fire pit in the center, surrounded by lush green trees

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an empty backyard with green grass and brick houses in the background at dusk, on a cloudy day

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Europe

Europe also hosts numerous Backyard Ultra events, with races in Scotland, France, and Estonia among others. Here are a couple you won't want to miss:

Scottish Ultra Running Festival, featuring a Backyard Ultra challenge among its various events.
Le Guage Ultra, a Backyard Ultra in France, offers a unique opportunity to run through the stunning Vercors Regional Natural Park.

European Trail Shindigs

For trail enthusiasts, some Backyard Ultra events in Europe include:

Estonia Ultra Trail, featuring a Backyard Ultra component alongside its iconic 100-mile race.
Trail des Hermytes in France, offering a Backyard Ultra challenge for those seeking a tough test on rugged terrain.

The Backyard Ultra movement continues to grow worldwide, offering seasoned runners and newcomers alike the chance to pit their endurance against the clock. Whether you're taking on Big Dog's in Tennessee or tackling the trails in Estonia, there's always another Backyard Ultra on the horizon, waiting for you to step up to the line.