What is a Backyard Ultra?

A Backyard Ultra is also known as a Last Person Standing Race, but don’t let this deter you from joining the fun! Complete 4.17 miles of dirt road and single track trail every hour on the Spurline Trail system in Durango. Each 4.17 mile loop is referred to as a “yard.” If you finish in less than an hour- kick your feet up and snack until you line back up in the corral at the top of the hour to start again. Hour after hour, racers continue to line up until they tap out of the race or time out on a yard. The race is over when there is one runner remaining- that person must successfully complete one more hour to secure the win.
Backyard races are for everyone! Complete just one yard, set a distance PR, or come out and compete for the win. Who will be the Durango Trails Backyard champion?!

Where and When?

Durango, Colorado on the Spurline Trail System / Three Springs
8:00am, Saturday May 30, 2026

Cost and Supporting the Trails

Support the trails while being on trail! All proceeds from this race supports Durango Trails, a local nonprofit with the mission to plan, build, and maintain our world-class trails, educate trail users, and create connections both on and off the trail. This unique style of race lends itself to be a great community event and fundraiser. The cost of the race has two aspects: the entry fee and pledges.
Entry fee: $60 Our goal for this race is to keep the entry fee low to encourage participants of all ages and levels. If you volunteered with Durango Trails in the 2025 season, are a Durango Trails member, or are under 18 years old, reach out for a discount code!
Pledges: All runners are required to have at least one pledge for every yard you complete. All of your pledges combined must equate to a minimum of $10/yard for each racer. Reach out to friends and family members far and near to support you in this race! Simply send them this form to fill out to secure their pledge: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1Ydlwl4dzWVtYJ1AtQJUlmhmtt5l5TM6F2n-bZghbtO4/edit
There will be prizes for the racer who secures the most $ per yard and who raises the most money total. You will be running for something bigger than yourself: how far will you go?

The Course

The race will be held in the Spurline Trail System (3 Springs) and will be a mix of dirt roads and single track on the Railspike trail. Enjoy a soft surface route with scenic views. The exact route will be shared soon, stay tuned!

Aid Station

There will be one aid station at basecamp with all your ultra needs. Water and Durango local Tailwind for your hydration needs.

The typical fruit, chips, sweets, and snacks all throughout the day. 3 meals each day will be provided to keep you fueled and moving.

Soup, broth, coffee provided through the night.

Conditions

The end of May in Southwest Colorado could be sunny and 70, or sleeting and cold. Temperatures can drop significantly at night. Please come prepared for the large range of temperatures. Possibility of muddy trails, if they are not runnable or chance of damaging the trails we have an alternate route all on dirt country roads.

Starting Procedure

There will be 3 whistles at three minutes, 2 at two minutes, 1 at one minute, thirty seconds called, and a ten second countdown, and then the starting cow bell. You must be inside the starting corral when the starting cow bell is given to start the hour. No late starts, no exceptions. Once the hour starts, you must start on the course and remain on it.

Restroom Rule

There will be a few porta potties at the main basecamp, racers may visit them whenever they are back to camp.

Personal Stations and Crew

Personal stations will be 8x8 or 10x10 spots. The base campsite is on dirt. Folks are strongly encouraged to bring weights and stakes for tents. There can be high winds in the high desert that will blow tents and shelters away.
Early registration gives priority to tent placement- closer to the start and finish. You may request to be closer to other racers, and are more than welcome to share a space with someone.
Bring friends and family to crew.

Parking and Set Up

Set up will be Friday, May 29th.
More details to come.

Contact Information

Megan Hoffman: megan@durangotrails.org

Event's current local time: 5:01 AM MT