Backyard Ultra - Las Cruces
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Event overview
The Day of the Dead Land of Enchantment Backyard Ultra is scheduled for October 30, 2026, at Prehistoric Trackways National Monument in Las Cruces, New Mexico. The event uses the backyard ultra "last runner standing" format and is limited to 75 participants. A portion of each registration will be donated to the Southern New Mexico Trail Alliance. Packet pickup is offered the day before at Bluebird Running of Las Cruces and near the start/finish area the morning of the event. Camping, parking, and personal crew setup are available near the start/finish area.
Course, format, and services
The course is a lollipop-style loop on well-maintained trails, primarily crushed gravel, with some elevation changes and views of the Organ Mountain range. Each lap is 4.167 miles (about 6.706 km). Competitors must complete each lap within one hour; laps repeat hourly until one runner completes a lap alone. Runners must be inside the clearly marked starting box when the hourly bell sounds; warning sounds occur 3, 2, and 1 minutes before the bell. Personal assistance is allowed between laps but not on the course; aids such as trekking poles are forbidden. The start/finish aid station is cupless and will provide water, Gatorade, salty-sweet trail snacks, pickles, wraps, coffee in late-night and morning hours, and porta-potties. All participants receive a hoodie and a Day of the Dead DNF medal; runners who complete 24 laps receive a 100-mile buckle. Overall male and female awards and a fastest-lap award will be given. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
