Welcome to the More Miles Last One Standing Challenge!
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What Is This?
A Backyard Ultra is a race designed to fit, literally or figuratively, in the host's backyard - a way to challenge participants to their limits, within a limited space and with the social vibes of a backyard BBQ!
An official backyard race consists of a course measuring 4.167miles (this is "the yard"). Participants begin the race ON the designated hour, and must finish their yard before the hour is up. Those who do, continue into the next hour - completing one yard every hour, on the hour, for AS LONG AS THEY CAN!
This is a "last one standing" style event - the winner (technically, the only one who FINISHES the race) is the last person capable of completing the yard within the hour. The race ends when only one remains.
That makes this a teamwork event, unique amidst other ultra races! Challengers can only continue so long as OTHER challengers do too. The second-to-last person standing is called "the assist".
AND because THE last one standing is the only true "finisher", all other participants are considering a DNF (Did Not Finish)... with a wink and a smile.😉
We send our DNFs away with a small token for their efforts!
A Backyard Ultra is a race designed to fit, literally or figuratively, in the host's backyard - a way to challenge participants to their limits, within a limited space and with the social vibes of a backyard BBQ!
An official backyard race consists of a course measuring 4.167miles (this is "the yard"). Participants begin the race ON the designated hour, and must finish their yard before the hour is up. Those who do, continue into the next hour - completing one yard every hour, on the hour, for AS LONG AS THEY CAN!
This is a "last one standing" style event - the winner (technically, the only one who FINISHES the race) is the last person capable of completing the yard within the hour. The race ends when only one remains.
That makes this a teamwork event, unique amidst other ultra races! Challengers can only continue so long as OTHER challengers do too. The second-to-last person standing is called "the assist".
AND because THE last one standing is the only true "finisher", all other participants are considering a DNF (Did Not Finish)... with a wink and a smile.😉
We send our DNFs away with a small token for their efforts!
New for 2025!
We want to see our race reach (and exceed) 100 miles/24-hours this year! Think you have what it takes? We are upping the ante with PRIZE MONEY for BOTH our Last One Standing Champion AND The Assist!
It takes a team, after all, to go the distance... in 2025, our top two challengers can both earn their total miles run in CASH! No limit - get in here, get More Miles, break ceilings!
*Official race-miles only - jogging around camp between yards can't add to your winnings, sorry.
It takes a team, after all, to go the distance... in 2025, our top two challengers can both earn their total miles run in CASH! No limit - get in here, get More Miles, break ceilings!
*Official race-miles only - jogging around camp between yards can't add to your winnings, sorry.
The More Miles Last One Standing Challenge offers an official 4.167mile event, meaning top contenders are eligible for "at-large" entry to the Backyard Ultra world championship based on total yards/miles completed - as well as a 1-mile "backyard for mortals", run under the same format!
The 1-mile is a great event for those looking to get their feet wet at a lower intensity, kids, teens, ultra-curious, and even walkers! This is where the party happens, with a little extra time between laps around the mini-yard!
Our 1-mile event runs for 24 hours, and then begins a tie-breaker protocol whereby each additional hour adds one additional mile, until only one participant remains!
You can complete 1 hour and stop, or continue forward every hour to compete for THE Last One Standing title.
When:
Saturday May 31, 2025
7:00AM Eastern start-time
Where:
Manidokan Camp and Retreat Center
1600 Harpers Ferry Rd.
Knoxville, MD 21758
Registration:
Click Here to Register!
Please see below for details of both competitions.
Event Information:
Every participant will be permitted to camp on-site at the Start/Finish village and will have a designated 10x10 space for their race-day set up.
Race organizers will provide a small aid station with water, Tailwind, and light snacks.
We will also camp fire fare available on Saturday evening (hot dogs and s'mores)
and pancakes on the griddle Sunday morning!
*THIS IS A CUPLESS RACE!*
Please help us reduce waste, and bring a bottle or collapsible cup!
Runners/Walkers should be prepared to provide for their larger fueling needs for the long hours (i.e. meals and heartier food items), as well as tent or canopy, chairs, sleep/nap arrangements, etc.
Showers will be available for use during the event and after your finish.
Cabins are also available for rent for the weekend, equipped with beds and air conditioning!
These are located approximately 200meters from the start/finish area.
Every participant will also receive official timing, race t-shirt, and race bib.
There will be one award, for THE Last One Standing in the 1-mile and 4-mile!
But all participants can expect a consolation prize for their efforts.
Course Maps and Information can be found here!
Official Race Rules:
*While crew support is virtually unlimited at the start/finish area between yards, racers may not receive support outside of official race aid while ON the yard. This includes pacers and fueling or gear hand-offs.
*Racers must be inside the start coral at the top of the hour in order to continue competition.
*Racers must cross the finish line by xx:59:59 in order receive credit for completion of that hour/yard.
*Headlamps or personal lighting devices are required between sunset and sunrise.
*Bring all the family and friends you want to crew: sorry, no dogs and no alcohol are permitted.
*No personal or artificial assistance permitted ON the course (this includes pacers - even eliminated runners, trekking poles, aid from any source other than official race stations).
Overnight Information:
Saturday night camping is included with your registration fee and highly encouraged!
Please stay to cheer on your fellow competitors and to rest and take care of yourself before driving home!
If you wish to set up and camp Friday night before the race, please bring $5 (cash only) to packet pick-up!
Cabins are available for rent on the property both Friday night and Saturday night if you prefer air conditioning, a roof, and a real bed! Please contact Amy at [email protected] or 410-867-0991 to reserve!
Packet Pick-Up:
You may pick-up your race packet on race morning beginning at 6:00am.
Friday packet pick-up will also be available at Manidokan Retreat Center from 6:00-9:00pm.
*You may set up your camp/aid "site" Friday night even if you don't stay, but race staff is not responsible for personal belongings and equipment overnight!
1-mile Backyard Ultra for Mortals:
*If there are multiple contenders standing AFTER 24 HOURS of competition, we will begin a tie-breaker challenge.
1 additional mile per hour will be added to the challenge beginning in Hour 25 until a winner emerges.
There will only be ONE!
*Every participant will be scored in the final results based on the total miles and number of hours completed. In the final round, if a contender begins the hour, but does not complete the required mileage for that hour, they will be ranked by the distance they were able to complete.
*All miles must be completed on foot.
Pledge-Per-Mile For Charity
Every participant has the opportunity to raise funds for the charity of THEIR choice!
Use our event as your fundraiser!
Here's how it works:
1. Select a charity you are passionate about or interested in (locally, nationally, or otherwise).
2. Ask your friends and family to sponsor your race in the form of a Pledge Per Mile. (i.e. $1 per mile)
3. Complete as many miles/hours as you can! The more you complete, the more donation you earn!
4. When you finish, or the event ends, notify your sponsors and collect your pledges.
5. Make your donation (online or in person) to the cause that you chose.
**This is an individual effort. The Last One Standing Challenge is not responsible for tracking or collecting your pledges. We will provide the race, the fun, and the opportunity to do something good in YOUR community!
When:
Saturday May 31, 2025
7:00AM Eastern start-time
Where:
Manidokan Camp and Retreat Center
1600 Harpers Ferry Rd.
Knoxville, MD 21758
Registration:
Click Here to Register!
Please see below for details of both competitions.
Event Information:
Every participant will be permitted to camp on-site at the Start/Finish village and will have a designated 10x10 space for their race-day set up.
Race organizers will provide a small aid station with water, Tailwind, and light snacks.
We will also camp fire fare available on Saturday evening (hot dogs and s'mores)
and pancakes on the griddle Sunday morning!
*THIS IS A CUPLESS RACE!*
Please help us reduce waste, and bring a bottle or collapsible cup!
Runners/Walkers should be prepared to provide for their larger fueling needs for the long hours (i.e. meals and heartier food items), as well as tent or canopy, chairs, sleep/nap arrangements, etc.
Showers will be available for use during the event and after your finish.
Cabins are also available for rent for the weekend, equipped with beds and air conditioning!
These are located approximately 200meters from the start/finish area.
Every participant will also receive official timing, race t-shirt, and race bib.
There will be one award, for THE Last One Standing in the 1-mile and 4-mile!
But all participants can expect a consolation prize for their efforts.
Course Maps and Information can be found here!
Official Race Rules:
*While crew support is virtually unlimited at the start/finish area between yards, racers may not receive support outside of official race aid while ON the yard. This includes pacers and fueling or gear hand-offs.
*Racers must be inside the start coral at the top of the hour in order to continue competition.
*Racers must cross the finish line by xx:59:59 in order receive credit for completion of that hour/yard.
*Headlamps or personal lighting devices are required between sunset and sunrise.
*Bring all the family and friends you want to crew: sorry, no dogs and no alcohol are permitted.
*No personal or artificial assistance permitted ON the course (this includes pacers - even eliminated runners, trekking poles, aid from any source other than official race stations).
Overnight Information:
Saturday night camping is included with your registration fee and highly encouraged!
Please stay to cheer on your fellow competitors and to rest and take care of yourself before driving home!
If you wish to set up and camp Friday night before the race, please bring $5 (cash only) to packet pick-up!
Cabins are available for rent on the property both Friday night and Saturday night if you prefer air conditioning, a roof, and a real bed! Please contact Amy at [email protected] or 410-867-0991 to reserve!
Packet Pick-Up:
You may pick-up your race packet on race morning beginning at 6:00am.
Friday packet pick-up will also be available at Manidokan Retreat Center from 6:00-9:00pm.
*You may set up your camp/aid "site" Friday night even if you don't stay, but race staff is not responsible for personal belongings and equipment overnight!
1-mile Backyard Ultra for Mortals:
*If there are multiple contenders standing AFTER 24 HOURS of competition, we will begin a tie-breaker challenge.
1 additional mile per hour will be added to the challenge beginning in Hour 25 until a winner emerges.
There will only be ONE!
*Every participant will be scored in the final results based on the total miles and number of hours completed. In the final round, if a contender begins the hour, but does not complete the required mileage for that hour, they will be ranked by the distance they were able to complete.
*All miles must be completed on foot.
Pledge-Per-Mile For Charity
Every participant has the opportunity to raise funds for the charity of THEIR choice!
Use our event as your fundraiser!
Here's how it works:
1. Select a charity you are passionate about or interested in (locally, nationally, or otherwise).
2. Ask your friends and family to sponsor your race in the form of a Pledge Per Mile. (i.e. $1 per mile)
3. Complete as many miles/hours as you can! The more you complete, the more donation you earn!
4. When you finish, or the event ends, notify your sponsors and collect your pledges.
5. Make your donation (online or in person) to the cause that you chose.
**This is an individual effort. The Last One Standing Challenge is not responsible for tracking or collecting your pledges. We will provide the race, the fun, and the opportunity to do something good in YOUR community!