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 is the second running of this backyard format event at the Prehistoric Trackways National Monument in Las Cruces, New Mexico on October 30, 2026. The course is a lollipop-style loop primarily on crushed gravel with some elevation changes and views of the Organ Mountain range. Each lap, called a yard, is 4.167 miles and is repeated each hour until a single runner completes a yard alone and is declared the last runner standing.
The event provides a large area for personal aid setups, campsites, parking, and a group area for crews. The start/finish aid station is stocked with water, Gatorade, salty and sweet trail snacks, pickles, wraps, and coffee during late-night and morning hours. This is a cupless event. Standard backyard rules apply: runners must be in the marked starting box at the top of each hour, personal assistance is allowed only between laps, aids such as trekking poles are not permitted on course, and slower runners must allow faster runners to pass.
All participants receive a Land of Enchantment hoodie and a Day of the Dead DNF medal. Runners who complete 24 yards receive a 100-mile buckle. Male and female overall awards and a Fastest Yard Lap award are given. Registration is capped at 75 entrants and refunds are not allowed. A portion of each registration is donated to the Southern New Mexico Trail Alliance. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
