A backyard ultra is not an event format for the faint of heart, it’s truly a tough guy/gal competition where only one person will emerge victorious. With the urging of Gary Cantrell, aka Lazarus Lake, who started the original Big’s Backyard Ultra and the Barkley Marathons, more races with this format are being started. This is one of them.
In an effort to prepare our champion to succeed at Big’s Backyard Ultra, and to afford those already lucky enough to be registered for the marquee event an opportunity to hone their skills 5+ months prior to the event, Bob’s Big Timber Backyard Ultra will follow as closely to Laz’s original format as possible.
The concept is simple. It’s a “Last Person Standing Race” and in the end, just one runner will finish the race.
At 0630 hours on Saturday, we will start a race at Hunter’s Tree Farm – Mitten Parcel Trail for 4.1667 miles. The time limit for this race is one hour.
Again at 0730 hours, we will begin another race around the same 4.1667 mile trail. The same will be done at 0830, 930, 1030, and so on, every hour.
-Runners must be standing in the starting corral when the next race starts or else they may not continue.
-Runners will also not continue if they choose to willingly pull themselves from the race.
-No late starts once the bell is rung.
-Races will continue until only one runner remains, and at that point, once that person completes a loop on their own, that runner is the winner.
-All other runners are a DNF.
At 2030 hours, the races will be moved to a road out and back course past “Annie’s Place” and The Hunter Estate and continue in likewise fashion every hour thereafter through the dark hours.
At 0630 hours the next morning, races will be moved back to the trail loop.
At 3 minutes till each race 3 whistles will be blown.
At 2 minutes till each race 2 whistles will be blown.
At 1 minute till each race 1 whistle will be blown.
At 30 seconds till each race an announcement is made.
At 10 seconds till each race a countdown will begin.
A bell is rung once the race starts.
-Once the bell is rung, runners may not visit their crew, their tent, their vehicle or receive aid from anyone.
-Runners must stay on the course once the bell is rung.
-The only reason for leaving the course once the bell is rung is to use the portable restroom.
-Once you finish your loop you may choose to do what you want, but must be back in the starting corral before the bell rings.
Bob’s Big Timber will provide an awesome stocked aid station organized by no other than the aid station queen herself, Kathie Noe. If you’ve run BBTBU in the past you know the quality and variety of food and drinks Kathie and her staff provided. As we get closer to race date Kathie will be asking what you want to see at the aid station. Also, keep in mind only you know what you will want/need to fuel yourself for 24 hours, 48 hours, or possibly longer, so plan accordingly.
Crews are permitted. Please keep in mind if you have multiple crew members to be respectful of other runner’s space.
There will be a space next to the start and finish line to set up a chair, cooler, and other small personal items.
A campground area will be close by where you may set up a tent.
Any runner that DNF’s must immediately vacate their spot close to the finish line to allow surviving runners to move closer. DNF runners are welcome to continue spectating, partying, and adding to the excitement of Bob’s Big Timber Backyard Ultra.
Porta-potties will be located just after the start line.
A high quality race shirt will be provided to all entrants at check-in, a commemorative medal will be given to all runners once they are no longer in the competition, and a specially designed buckle will be awarded to ALL runners making it past the first 24 hours and thus covering 100 miles.
Food items will be grilled throughout the event and Soup will be available for competitors after the course moves to the road on the first day.
A bonfire will be located at the Start/Finish and will burn for the duration of the event.
Alcohol is permitted.
Water is provided.
Coffee is provided.
This race is hosted by Bob & Karen Hunter and proceeds will be reinvested into the farm trails, property taxes, and the continued reforestation.
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