2026 Barnyard Backyard Ultra
- Jun 8
- 8 min read
Updated: 16 hours ago
Outlast the herd. Become the GOAT.
Want to test your grit? Want to see what you're made of? Want to have fun? Push your limits and go for it with others, while enjoying the company of rescued farmed animals at their peaceful sanctuary home? Welcome to the Barnyard Backyard Ultra!
Backyard Ultra [BAK-yahrd UL-truh]: an ultramarathon format where runners must repeatedly complete a 4.167-mile loop ("Yard") every hour. Those who finish the loop prior to the hour cutoff must make it back to the starting line corral at the top of the next hour to be eligible to run the next loop. The race keeps going until only one runner finishes a final lap alone - that is to say, the runner who completes the most Yards wins. Also known as a Last Runner Standing event.
While backyard ultras are commonly known for being gritty and unpredictable in nature, there's also a strong spirit of camaraderie, community, and joy. In other words, doing really hard things with others feels great so, LFG!!
Basics
Dates: October 24-25, 2026
Location: Luvin Arms Animal Sanctuary (3470 Co Rd 7, Erie, CO 80516)
Format: Traditional Backyard Ultra (4.167-mile/6.7056 kilometer loops hourly)
Support: Aid station basics; primarily self-supported runner camps/crews
Course: Mostly flat, off-road cross-country terrain combining dirt, grass, and gravel
Vibe: Mountain views, rescued animals, community of stubborn runners & crews
We are proud to support Luvin Arms! A portion of the proceeds will be donated to help provide care, shelter, and advocacy for rescued farmed animals. By joining us, you'll be celebrating the joy of running and contributing to a compassionate cause.
Fun Fact: The goat in our graphic is based on the real-life Alfie, who lives at Luvin Arms!
We consider ourselves a grassroots bunch with a love for the people, the community, the animals, and an all around feel good positive vibe. It will be our pleasure to be your host for a great experience!
Event Information
Event Pricing
Backyard Ultra | Early Registration (until August 31) | Late Registration (after August 31) |
Unlimited Yards | $90.00 | $125.00 |
Participation Expectations
At Let's Feel Great Sports events, we expect participants to demonstrate good sportsmanship based on integrity, respect toward other participants, and an overall love of the sport. If you have any issues, just come have a chat with us to figure out a solution - we're all friends here! : )
Please respect our privilege to hold this event at Luvin Arms Animal Sanctuary by being good stewards of their property, operations, and rules. Thank you!
Event Location & Uniqueness of the Experience
Luvin Arms Animal Sanctuary
Participating in an event at Luvin Arms is a very unique and special opportunity! All runners will be able to see a diverse community of species who live at the sanctuary where they all have been rescued with the mission to receive lifelong care and love. In addition to finding joy while running, part of your experience is to observe and feel the calm and peaceful surroundings, which also include a grand panoramic view of the amazing Rocky Mountains. It is truly a remarkable time!
Some of the many new friends you'll meet while running are Jale the horse, Dali the donkey, Tendu the potbelly pig, Peter the white peacock, Button the chicken, Yoda the duck, Gus the turkey, Maybell the cow, Cheerio the sheep, Eileen the goat, and Lizzie the big pig!
Event Day Timeline
Time | Who | What | Where |
6:00am | Participants & Crews | Camp Setup Opens | Designated Camp Area |
7:50am | Participants | Pre-Race Meeting | Start Corral |
8:00am | Participants | Race Start! | Start Corral |
Packet/Bib Pickup
Pre-Race Day Local Pickup
Friday, October 23, 2026
3:00pm - 6:00pm
Luvin Arms Animal Sanctuary Visitor Center
Race-Day Pickup
Saturday, October 24, 2026
6:00am - 7:30am prior to 8:00am race start
Course Terrain and Views
With less than 200 feet of elevation gain per lap, the sanctuary features an off-road style, highly-runnable course that's mostly flat and non-technical with a mix of dirt, grass, and gravel - it's a great terrain for all levels of ability! Trail running shoes are recommended.
You will have a great time as you enjoy views of the stunning Rocky Mountains and pass by many of the lovely sanctuary residents - they're very curious and love watching runners as they go by for each lap!
Event Parking
Please consider carpooling if friends and family will also be participating - it's fun to ride together!
All parking will be onsite at Luvin Arms with staff & signs directing guests upon arrival. Please drive slowly!
Please park efficiently in the one-way lot to allow the maximum capacity - thank you!
Aid Station Goodness & Warming Hut
Aid Station
We will feature one central aid station near the main race hub area that will be stocked with assorted goodies like bananas, oranges, bread & peanut butter, and pretzels to supplement your race fueling needs and appetite enjoyment!
In addition to ice water, we are excited to provide Neversecond C30 Forest Berry Sports Drink to help optimize your hydration and fluid retention needs while running!
This is a cupless event - cups will not be provide at the aid station for runners. Please be sure to bring your own hydration gear to stay hydrated while running - let's work together to reduce waste and keep the trails nice & clean!
Warming Hut
Since temperatures could get chilly, we'll have a tent set up as part of the race hub/aid station area where runners can warm their bones....but don't spend too long getting nice & cozy because you gotta get back out there in time to start the next loop!
Race Hub/Runner Camp Setup
Runners will be allowed to setup camp in designated areas, which can include a 10X10 tent and other race-related equipment. This area is accessible to runners and their designated support crew between loops to manage nutrition, hydration, gear changes, and rest. Crews are only permitted to provide support within this area; any support beyond this area/out on the active course loop is prohibited.
All personal equipment, structures, and trash must remain within your footprint area and cannot obstruct the course, the starting corral, common-use pathways, or other participant camp areas (please be friendly and respectful with your neighbors). Special Note: to avoid being blown over/away by wind, all tents are required to be anchored by weights - stakes are not strong enough alone. Please see examples of acceptable tent weight types below.
Runners may arrive as early as 6:00am to begin setting up a personal camp area on race day.
All camp spaces are designated as first-come first-serve; i.e. you get to pick your own spot! : )
Please ensure your camp is setup within the 10X10 designated sites and that no trash or belongings are left behind. It is each runner's responsibility to clean up fully after themselves - we all enjoy a nice and clean place to run!
***It's very important and required to cross the start/finish line after completing a lap prior to making a stop at your camp. This ensures all runner laps are accurately recorded.
Acceptable canopy weight examples
Crew & Pacers
Pacers are not permitted for this event.
Crew members are welcome to set up and support runners from the Race Camp area and at the race hub/start-finish area only. No crew access will be allowed anywhere else on the course.
Event Awards
100 Mile/24 Hour Completion
All participants who complete 100 miles/24 hours will earn a medal for that very challenging accomplishment, which is directly associated with the origin of the 4.167 specific course distance where 100 miles ÷ 24 hours = 4.166666... miles per hour; credit and thanks for this mathematical fun goes to Gary Cantrell, aka "Lazarus Lake" who started this whole crazy Backyard Ultra thing!
Last Runner Standing/Winner
There is only one finisher, the last person to complete a Yard, The GOAT. The last runner standing will earn a very special buckle!
All other participants are technically designated as DNF
Full details are listed in the "Backyard Ultra Rules" section below, which are the same as the Big's Backyard Ultra official rules, verbatim.
Full Backyard Ultra Rules
Our race event follows the same rules as the Big's Backyard Ultra, verbatim:
Course:
Loop or out and back
Must be 4 miles 880 feet in length
Metric equivalent 6.7056 kilometers
Starting Corral:
Measured to fit entire starting field
Corral stays the same size throughout the event
Participants must be inside the corral at the bell
Starts:
Each Yard starts precisely one hour after the last
Warning must be given 3, 2, and 1 minute before the bell
All competitors must start at the bell (No late starts)
Yards:
Except for restroom breaks a competitor cannot leave the course until the Yard is complete
No non-competitors may accompany active entrants on the course (including eliminated runners)
No personal aid during a Yard
Each Yard must be completed in less than an hour to be counted
No artificial aids (including trekking poles)
Slower runners must yield/allow passes
Timing:
Keeping lap times is optional
Winner/Results:
The winner is the last person to complete a Yard
All others are technically DNF
Results of each participant in terms of Yards completed are to be given
If no participant can complete one more yard than anyone else there is no winner
Cap:
Race must be open ended
Furry Friend Companion & Food Policies
Participating in an event at Luvin Arms is a very unique and special opportunity! We are excited to have you join us for the day! While there, we're all visitors to the home of the sanctuary's resident's that live at Luvin Arms - let's all do our best to respect their space. ❤️
Furry Friend Companions
We luv luv luv dogs, but for the safety of the sanctuary animals, dogs or any other pets aren't allowed at this event - please leave your pups at home.
Food Details
We encourage bringing your own food to the event - please be sure all items are plant-based only.
These details are based on Luvin Arms' policies that can be found on their website in the Visitor FAQ section.
From us and the wonderful staff and residents of Luvin Arms, thank you for your cooperation and support!
Refund/Cancellation and Bib Transfer/Deferral Policies
All registrations are non-refundable. Participant withdrawals must be completed through UltraSignup.
Race credits are issued as follows:
75% credit — withdrawal completed 30+ days prior to race day
50% credit — withdrawal completed 6–29 days prior to race day
No credit — withdrawals within 5 days of race day
Race credits:
Are valid for one year from the date of issuance
May be used for any Let’s Feel Great Sports event
Are non-transferable and single-use
Bib transfers:
Are not permitted
Deferrals:
We are happy to offer a pregnancy deferral option to support expecting mothers during this important time. Participants who are pregnant and unable to race may defer their registration for up to two years from the original event date.
Must be requested prior to race day
Are valid for any Let’s Feel Great Sports event within the two-year window
Are non-transferable and may be used one time
Our goal is to create a great race experience for everyone, and the event will take place rain or shine. If extreme weather or other conditions make the race unsafe, officials may modify or cancel the event to protect participants and volunteers.
We understand that life sometimes brings unexpected changes, and our race credit options are designed to help when plans shift. Because many event costs occur well in advance, we’re not able to offer cash refunds for weather cancellations, participant withdrawals, or distance changes. If Let's Feel Great Sports must cancel an event, registrants will receive a race credit valid for one year from the date of the original event.
Thank you for supporting this event and helping us create a positive experience for runners, volunteers, and the animals at Luvin Arms Animal Sanctuary. ❤️
Volunteer Opportunities
Hi! We'd love to have you as a volunteer to help create a fun and smoothly run event!
Please visit our UltraSignup event page (coming soon!) and click the Volunteer button to select the area you're most interested to help with and the times you're available.
As part of our appreciation, we will provide you with a cool shirt, food, and $10 per hour earned in non-expiring Let's Feel Great Sports race credits (ex: 4hr shift = $40 credit earned).
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