Everyday Ultra Presents
Endure Better Backyard Ultra
February 20, 2027 | Se7en Wetlands Park | Lakeland, Florida
4.167 miles. Every hour. On the hour. No finish line — the race ends when one runner is left standing.
What Is A Backyard Ultra?
If this is your first time hearing about the format, here's how it works — and why it's become one of the most addictive events in ultrarunning.
Every runner completes the same 4.167-mile loop (called a "yard"). Why that distance? Because 24 of them equals exactly 100 miles in a single day. A new yard starts every hour, on the hour, and all remaining runners start together at the bell.
Finish your loop inside the hour and you've earned the right to line up again. Whatever time you have left is your rest — eat, change your socks, sit down, close your eyes. Run fast and rest long, or run easy and rest short. That strategic tension is the whole game.
There is no set distance and no time limit. The race ends only when a single runner completes a yard that no one else finishes. That runner is the winner — the Last One Standing. Everyone else, no matter how far they went, records a DNF. It's the most honest scoreboard in the sport.
You do not need to be fast to do well here. You need to be consistent, patient, and stubborn. Some of the best backyard runners in the world are people who simply refuse to quit.
Official Rules
- The course is a 4.167-mile (6.7 km) loop, called a "yard."
- A new yard begins every hour, on the hour. All remaining runners start together at the bell.
- You must complete each loop within the hour to be eligible to continue.
- Warnings are given at 3, 2, and 1 minute before each start. If you are not in the starting corral when the bell rings, your race is over.
- Between loops, do whatever you need at homebase — eat, change, sleep, regroup. All fair game.
- No personal aid or pacers on the course. All support happens at homebase only.
- Running, jogging, walking, shuffling — all allowed. You just have to get back before the hour is up.
- The race ends when only one runner completes a yard that no one else finishes. That runner is the winner. Everyone else records a DNF.
The Course
Set inside the stunning Se7en Wetlands Park in Lakeland, Florida, the course follows the classic backyard ultra standard: a single loop winding through Florida trail and wide-open fields, with a short return spur that brings you right back into homebase every single yard.
- Runnable, classic Florida terrain — smooth trails and open fields where you can settle into a rhythm.
- Front-row seats to jaw-dropping wetland sunrises and sunsets as the hours stack up.
- One loop, every hour — you'll know every turn by heart, and that's when the real race begins.
- Every yard ends back at homebase, so your crew, your chair, and your calories are never more than 4.167 miles away.
View the route on Strava: strava.com/routes/3519733351195753862
Aid Station & Crew Support
Crews are welcome and encouraged. There's nothing like a familiar face at hour 14. Flying solo? No problem — there is ample room at homebase for your own personal setup: tent, chair, cooler, drop bags, the works.
Every runner also has access to a fully stocked aid station at homebase, available every single hour:
- Gels
- Drink mix
- Candy
- Chips
- Hot food
- Water
- All the classic aid station goods
Getting There & Where To Stay
Closest major city: Tampa, Florida — Lakeland sits about 35–40 minutes east of Tampa. Orlando is the next closest, roughly an hour to the northeast. Flying in? Tampa International (TPA) and Orlando International (MCO) both put you within easy striking distance of the start line.
Lodging: We suggest staying in Lakeland, FL — there are tons of hotels there. The closest option to the start is the Best Western Mulberry Hotel, but just about any hotel in Lakeland puts you within a 20–30 minute drive of the start line.
Camping: We are working with the County Park to see if overnight camping is permitted the Friday before the race. We'll update this page if that gets approved.
Refund & Deferral Policy
We know life is bigger than running, and sometimes milestones come up that matter far more than a race. Here's how we handle withdrawals:
Deferrals
You may defer your entry up to 45 days before race day for 50% credit toward the following year's race. Credits are valid for one year only and cannot be transferred to another runner.
Within 45 Days
No deferrals, credits, or refunds will be granted for withdrawals made inside 45 days of race day.
Bib Transfers
Bib transfers to another runner are not permitted under any circumstance.
Pregnancy & Parenthood Exception
We proudly celebrate the arrival of new family members. If you or your partner experience one of these life events, you'll receive a 100% refund of your entry fee:
- Adoption of a child under the age of 5 (between race registration and the deferral deadline)
- Pregnancy (if the runner or their partner becomes pregnant after race registration)
- Birth of a child (between race registration and the deferral deadline)
We're here to support you not just as a runner, but as a whole person. When life grows in beautiful new ways, we want to celebrate that with you.
Questions?
Whether it's about the course, crew logistics, aid station details, or anything else on your mind, reach out to our team at everydayultrapodcast@gmail.com and we'll get back to you within 1–2 business days. No question is too small. You can also find us on Instagram at @theeverydayultra.
One bell. One loop. One last runner standing.
This is the purest test of endurance, mental toughness, and grit in our sport. It's not about who's fastest. It's about who refuses to stop. Expect difficulty. Expect the dark moments. And expect to break through every self-imposed limit you thought you had — because on the other side of "I can't" is the best version of yourself.
Endure Better Together.
Poster art by Fralvez | An Everyday Ultra Event | theeverydayultra.com
