Black Hills Backyard Ultra
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Black Hills Backyard Ultra, Spearfish SD
Black Hills Backyard Ultra is a backyard ultra event held on September 12, 2026, at the Big Hill trailhead near Spearfish, South Dakota. The course uses Big Hill Loop A with a 0.6 mile out-and-back section of Loop D to create a loop of 4.167 miles. Each loop has about 375 ft of elevation gain and loss, trends downward nearly 200 feet in the first half, and climbs back to the high point at the start/finish. The trail surfaces are wide and smooth, originally developed for cross country skiing, allowing side-by-side running.
The event follows the backyard ultra format: a new loop begins every hour and runners must be inside the starting corral when the bell rings or they are eliminated. Runners may not receive outside aid once a loop has started and must carry anything on their person at the start of a loop until it is completed. Trekking poles and pacers are prohibited. Volunteers and photographers may be on the course; spectators must remain in the aid station area or the meadow near the start/finish and may not assist runners during a loop. The race director has final discretion on rules and timing.
Aid is provided at the start/finish aid station with hot and cold food, drinks, and typical ultra snacks. Free camping is available in the trailhead parking lot; facilities are limited to a vault toilet. There is no WiFi or cell service at the trailhead. Registration closes August 25; listed entry fees vary by date. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
