Sole Survivor Backyard Ultra

Sole Survivor Backyard Ultra is held in Richland, Washington, on September 12, 2026. The single format follows the backyard ultra rule: every hour, on the hour, runners set off on a 4.167-mile loop, and anyone who does not finish in time or does not line up for the next lap is out. The race ends when only one runner remains, so there is no set finishing distance.

This format looks gentle on paper, since the pace required is well under a 15-minute mile, but it becomes a test of consistency, sleep management and stubbornness as the hours pile up. It suits runners who like a mental game as much as a physical one, and it is a surprisingly good first ultra because you decide when your day ends. Train with repeated moderate loops and short breaks rather than one long run, practice eating small amounts often, and plan warm clothes for the night laps.