What is a backyard ultra?

A backyard ultra is a race format, invented by the (in)famous Lazarus Lake, in which runners must repetitively complete a 4.17 mile loop every hour on the hour (one completion = one "yard").

This means if you finish your loop in 40 minutes---great!---you have 20 minutes to rest until your next loop.

The race is over when only one runner remains to complete a lap. Backyard ultras are great in that anyone who can run 4.17 miles can compete! Fast or slow, 2 laps, or 24 laps, the hour-by-hour format encourages participation by all.

Official rules can be found here.

What is Backyard Laramie?

This is backyard ultra running challenge starting at the Pilot Hill Recreational Trailhead in Laramie, Wyoming at 8am Saturday April 18, 2026. Last runner standing in each male and female category is crowned Pronghorn King/Queen! There is no hard stop on Backyard Laramie. Depending on who shows up, it could last 6 hours or 36 hours.

Registration fee: $0

This event is FREE, but we are collecting donations 1) to cover the cost of the event, and 2) for the Trail Fairies, a local organization which maintains trails in southeastern Wyoming. We are so thankful for making recreation, and events like this one, possible, so please consider making a donation! You can do so when you register on UltraSignup, and we will send the proceeds to them!

This event is hosted by the High Plains Harriers, a local running organization in Laramie.

We will also collect donations day of!

What is the course?

The course can be viewed here.

The route is entirely on a gravel path. There is around 220ft of elevation gain, and it is a few hundredths of a mile longer than the traditional backyard length. Boohoo! That's how it goes in Wyoming.

What do I need to know?

There will be some food and water provided, but it is good to bring enough to sustain yourself for however many laps you expect to do. We recommend bringing a chair to sit in between laps (we'll have a tent for the aid station). If you want to run into the night, you are required to have a headlamp with extra batteries. Runners also need to have a phone or a way to contact the race director in the event of an injury.

Weather this time of year in Wyoming is unpredictable. We encourage you to prepare for all possible elements, including snow, rain, wind, and the sun, and it may be a good idea to bring multiple pairs of socks and shoes.

Parking is free and normally plentifully available along Willett Drive.

How do I sign up?

Sign up here, on UltraSignup, before the April 16, 11:59PM deadline!

Again, registration is FREE, but please consider making a donation to the Trail Fairies (you'll have the option when you register!).

Contact

Reach out to race director, Finbar Curtin: finbar.curtin@gmail.com

Event's current local time: 10:41 PM MT