Empower Backyard Ultra is part of the Road to Big’s. To gain entry into Big’s Backyard Ultra runners must complete enough yards to earn one of the at large spots. These spots are awarded to the top runners from around the world for the World individual championship (odd years), and the top USA runners for the World team Championship (even years).
Empower Backyard Ultra is a Lazarus Lake sanctioned event. Every hour runners will line up to run the 4.1667 mile course (“yard”) until there is only one runner standing. The race will start at 7:00 am. Every hour runners will run the trails of Countryside YMCA, starting their loops at 7:00 am, 8:00 am, etc. until 8:00 pm when the last day loop will start. After 9:00 pm runners will run the night course (Lebanon Bikepath) every hour starting at 9:00 pm, then 10:00 pm, 11:00 pm, all the way until 6:00 am (last night loop) or until there are no runners remaining.
Rules
Runners must be standing in the starting corral when the bell rings and the next race starts, or they may not continue.
Runners will also not continue if they choose to stop (drop 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 considered DNF.
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.
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 bathroom.
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.
Runners will need to provide their own aid.
Crews are permitted but limited to just three crew members per runner at a time. Crews may leave and come back if needed.
There will be a space next to the start and finish line to set up a chair, cooler, and other small personal items.
A staging 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. Swag will be provided to all entrants.
Alcohol is NOT permitted. Water, coffee, and (non-caffeinated) Tailwind will be provided.
Course
DAY: The race takes place on beautiful and very runnable trails on Countryside YMCA property. Fairly smooth, wooded trails, with small elevation change. There are some roots and rocks on the trails, and the weather can play a role in trail conditions (mud). The course will be 4.1667 miles, wheeled and measured with GPS watches. The trails are accessible to YMCA members and the community. The course will be modified slightly from the past few years due to a different start/finish area. Detailed course map and Strava data coming soon!
NIGHT: The course is out and back (2.08 out and 2.08 back) run on Lebanon bike path. There are no road crossings and no car traffic on the bike path, making it an ideal, safe place for night running. The night course passes through residential areas (some properties back up to the Lebanon Bikepath). Please be respectful of private properties and keep your voices down passing through the area at night. No loud music etc to be played on the bike path. There is a gradual downhill and uphill on the bike path but no steep hills.
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