Natural State Backyard Ultra (High School Ultramarathon National Championship & Open Division)
- Date:
- Sat, Mar 14, 2026 at 8:00 AM
- Location:
-
1 Soccer Avenue
North Little Rock, Arkansas
72118
United States
OpenStreetMap Google Maps - Links:
- epopeo.net Register at runsignup.com
- Tags:
- Marathon Run Trail Ultra
Join us for the second annual Natural State Backyard Ultra which is the location for the High School Ultramarathon National Championship hosted by Epopeo in North Little Rock, Arkansas on March 14-15. Compete with other high school endurance athletes from around the country for the opportunity to be the High School Ultramarathon National Champion. The Backyard Ultra format (see description below) used for this event allows any level of runner the opportunity to compete whether they have competed in ultras in the past.
To compete in the High School Division, the participant must not have graduated earlier than 2026.
There is a separate Open Division for all adults and runners not classified in the High School Division.
Place:
1 Soccer Avenue, North Little Rock, AR 72118
Burns Park Field 3 Parking Lot
https://maps.app.goo.gl/EJaPWrt4KbDz17GC7
Description:
Racer Check-In and Start
Racers check in: Saturday, March 14, 2026, 6:00-7:30 a.m.
The check-in and start are located at the starting tent at the address above.
The race will begin at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 14, 2026.
Backyard Ultra Format:
A backyard ultra is a type of ultramarathon where runners complete a short, 4.167-mile loop every hour, with the race ending when only one participant remains to finish a lap, essentially making it a "last one standing" competition; the winner is the runner who completes the most loops before all others drop out, with no predetermined finish distance or time limit, making it a grueling test of mental and physical endurance.
Official Rules:
Starts
Each 4.167-mile loop starts precisely 1 hour after the last
Warnings will be given 3, 2, and 1 minutes before the start of each loop
All participants must be in the starting corral and start at the bell (no late starts)
Corral location stays the same throughout the race
Loops
Except for restrooms, competitors may not leave the course until each loop is completed
No non-competitors on the course (including eliminated runners and crew)
No personal aid during a loop (each runner must be self sufficient while on the loop)
Each loop must be completed within an hour to be counted (including the final lap)
No artificial aids (including trekking poles)
Slower runners must allow passes
Winner/Results
The winner is the last person to complete a loop (in each division)
All others are technically DNF
Results of each runner in terms of distance covered are to be given
If no runner can complete one more loop than anyone else, there is no winner
Aid & Refreshment Stations:
There will be food and drink provided (bring your own cup)
Public bathrooms and water are available near the starting tent
Basic first aid supplies will be available at the starting tent
Supplies:
Runners are allowed to return to cars or personal tents between each loop
Runners have the option to bring a support crew but support can only be provided after each loop
Safety:
Volunteers will be posted a road crossings for safety
A police officer will be present past 9:00 pm
A medic will be present at the starting area for the duration of the race for any medical-related needs
Course Description:
The course is an easy, wooded, flat 4.167-mile loop with an elevation of only 168’. The terrain is mostly packed dirt with only a few rocky sections and less than ½ mile of pavement. The trail can become very muddy during the wet season and after rainstorms. The trail is well-marked with blue & white tape and blue flags.
Awards:
High School Men's Champion, High School Women's Champion, Open Division Men's Champion, Open Division Women's Champion
Recognition will be given to any participant who finishes 7 laps, officially running an ultramarathon distance
After each runner's final lap they will receive an award with their total covered distance in laps
Refunds and Inclement Weather Policy:
No Refunds
No Inclement Weather Policy. Race will be held regardless of temperature or precipitation (forecast or actual). The race director reserves the right to cancel or delay the race for the safety of the participants.