Registration Schedule

Online registration closes Friday, August 20 at 5:00 pm. If you wish to participate after online registration closes, please email customerservice@hfpracing.com.

Last Buckeye Standing

4.167 Miles. Every Hour. Until Only One Remains. - How far can you go? How long can you last?

Last Buckeye Standing is the ultimate test of endurance, strategy, and mental toughness. This unique backyard ultra challenges runners of all abilities to push their limits, one 4.167-mile loop at a time.

The challenge begins at 7:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 21, 2027, with a new loop starting every hour, on the hour. Runners have exactly 60 minutes to complete each loop and return to the starting line, ready to go again. Miss the cutoff or fail to start the next loop, and your race is over.

The format is simple. The challenge is anything but.

Speed alone won't win this race. Strategy matters. Will you push the pace to maximize recovery time between loops, or conserve your energy with a steady effort and minimal rest? Every minute counts, and every decision becomes more important as the miles — and hours — add up.

There is no predetermined finish distance. The race continues until only one runner remains capable of completing another loop within the time limit.

Whether your goal is to complete a few loops, set a personal distance record, or outlast the entire field, Last Buckeye Standing offers an unforgettable endurance challenge where every runner discovers just how far they're willing to go.

One Loop. One Hour. One Runner Left Standing. Will YOU be the Last Buckeye Standing?

Course & Athlete Information

The **Last Buckeye Standing Backyard Ultra** is an officially sanctioned Lazarus Lake Backyard Ultra event held at Alum Creek State Park in Central Ohio. The scenic 4.167-mile loop follows the Alum Creek Hiking Trail along the reservoir, featuring a mix of grassy ski trails and wooded singletrack with approximately 100–200 feet of elevation change per loop.

The course is generally dry and runnable in August, although rain may create muddy conditions in low-lying areas. The trail will be clearly marked, and the race will follow standard Backyard Ultra rules and regulations.

Race Format & Logistics
- **One Hour Per Loop:** Runners must complete each loop within 60 minutes and be ready for the next start.
- **Hourly Starts:** All remaining runners start together at the top of each hour. Late starts are not permitted.
- **No Outside Assistance on Course:** Crew support is permitted only in the designated start/finish area between loops.
- **Rest & Recovery:** Runners may use their time between loops to refuel, hydrate, change clothing, and rest.
- **Elimination:** Runners who fail to finish within the hour or start the next loop are eliminated.
- **Last Runner Standing:** The race continues until one runner completes a final loop that no other competitor completes.

There is no predetermined finish distance or time limit. The event continues as long as runners remain in competition.

Runner Expectations & Preparation

This is a self-paced endurance challenge where preparation, consistency, and smart decision-making are essential.

**Runners should arrive prepared with:**

- **Nutrition & Hydration:** Personal food, fluids, and electrolytes to sustain multiple hours of running.
- **Crew & Personal Supplies:** A chair, cooler, change of clothes, extra shoes, socks, and other recovery essentials.
- **Night Running Equipment:** A reliable headlamp with spare batteries or a backup light.
- **Weather Protection:** Appropriate clothing and equipment for changing temperatures, rain, and muddy trails.
- **Race Strategy:** A realistic pacing and recovery plan that allows sufficient time between loops.

Night Running & Trail Safety

Headlamps are strongly recommended from **9:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m.** Solar-powered trail lights will help identify turns and potential hazards, but runners must provide their own lighting for safe navigation.

Runners are responsible for following course markings, respecting fellow competitors, and exercising good judgment as fatigue increases. Race officials may remove a participant from competition if continuing presents an immediate safety concern.

The Backyard Ultra Challenge

Speed alone won't determine the winner. Success comes from managing your pace, nutrition, recovery, and mental endurance — hour after hour.

Whether your goal is a few loops, a new personal distance record, or the ultimate title, every completed lap is an accomplishment.

Course Link

Here is interactive link to course: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/45918258

Rules

1. All runners MUST be in the starting corral at the bell.
2. Each loop starts precisely on the hour and 1 hour after the last. (Warnings will be given 5, 3, and 1 minute before the bell.)
3. All runners must start at the bell. (Absolutely NO late starts.)
4. Except for restrooms, competitors may not leave the course until the loop has been completed.
5. No non competitors on the course. (This includes eliminated runners)
6. No crewing or outside aid during a loop.
7. Each loop must be completed within an hour to be counted….including the final loop.
8. No artificial aids. (trekking poles, etc.)
9. Slower runners must allow passes.
10. Runners are responsible for their personal aid and nutrition needs.
11. Water, along with a limited supply of prepackaged food items will be available throughout the race at start/finish.
12. Winner is the last person to complete a loop.
13. All other runners are classified as a DNF. (There is no second place!)
14. If no runner can complete one more loop than anyone else, there is no winner.

Tent Set-up & Parking

Tent & Station Set-up
Tents can be set-up Friday evening, 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm.

Parking
There is ample parking at Galena Boat Ramp Parking Area off Africa Rd. Please park in single vehicle parking spots and as much as possible not in vehicle and trailer parking spots (used by boaters). There is a restroom in the parking lot for pre-event use. There will be portables on the course and at start/finish area.

Volunteers

Volunteers are needed. Volunteers who help with any of our races will receive a race t-shirt and a 25% discount code into one our other trail races.

Event's current local time: 6:19 AM ET