Backyard Ultra - Las Cruces
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2026 Backyard Ultra Day of the Dead Land of Enchantment
The Day of the Dead Land of Enchantment Backyard Ultra takes place on October 30, 2026, at the Prehistoric Trackways National Monument in Las Cruces, NM. The course uses a lollipop-style loop within the monument, primarily on crushed gravel with some elevation change and scenic views of the Organ Mountain range. Each lap is 4.167 miles and repeats hourly until a single runner completes a lap alone in the allowed time.
The event follows standard backyard ultra rules. Runners must be in the clearly marked starting box when the hour bell sounds and will hear warning signals shortly before each start. Personal assistance is allowed only between laps; non-competitors are not permitted on the course. Aids such as trekking poles are not allowed, and the race is conducted cupless. Slower runners must allow faster runners to pass. Competitors who stop must check out with the race director.
The start/finish area provides a group aid station and space for personal crew setups, campsites, and parking. The aid station will offer porta-potties, water and Gatorade, salty and sweet snacks, pickles, wraps, and coffee during late-night and morning hours. All participants receive a Land of Enchantment hoodie and a Day of the Dead DNF medal; runners who complete 24 laps receive a 100-mile buckle. Male and female overall awards and a fastest-lap award will be given.
Packet pickup is available the day before at Bluebird Running Company and on the morning of the event at the monument. Registration is capped at 54 entrants. A portion of each registration will be donated to the Southern New Mexico Trail Alliance, an organization formed to build, maintain, and protect local trails. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
