Black Hills Backyard Ultra
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Black Hills Backyard Ultra : Spearfish, SD
The Black Hills Backyard Ultra is an out-and-back looped trail event held at the Big Hill trailhead on Tinton Road near Spearfish, SD, organized by the Black Hills Runner's Club. The course uses Big Hill Loop A with a 0.6 mile out-and-back segment of Loop D to make each loop 4.167 miles. Each loop has about 375 ft of elevation gain and loss; the start/finish is at the high point and each lap descends roughly 200 feet then climbs back.
The backyard ultra format requires runners to complete one loop each hour; runners who fail to finish a loop within the hour or who are not in the starting corral when the next loop begins are eliminated. Outside aid is permitted only between loops; anything carried into the starting corral at the top of the hour must be carried for the entire loop. Trekking poles and pacers are not allowed. Volunteers and photographers may be on course; spectators must remain in the aid station area or meadow.
Trailhead facilities are limited: a vault toilet is available and there is no WiFi or cell service at the trailhead. An aid station at the start/finish will provide hot and cold food, drinks, and typical ultra snacks. Free dispersed camping is allowed nearby under Forest Service rules. Nearby towns with lodging include Spearfish and Rapid City.
Registration fees listed are $92.77 and $133.56 after May 31. Registration transfers are allowed up to one week before the event.
Milestone awards: Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
- 7 laps Ultramarathon coin
- 8 laps 50K
- 12 laps 50 miles
- 15 laps 100K plus engraved rock
- 24 laps 100 miles buckle
