Harvest & Howitzer Backyard Ultra
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Harvest & Howitzer Backyard Ultra
The Harvest & Howitzer Backyard Ultra is an inaugural weekend backyard ultra held April 30 – May 2, 2027 on a private 100-acre Christmas tree and apple farm in the Sierra foothills. The event uses a last runner standing format: runners complete one 4.167-mile loop every hour, on the hour, and continue until only one runner remains.
The event is structured as a campout rather than a single-session race. Participants, crews, and families share campsites, campfires, and communal spaces between loops. The race includes a kids race and directs proceeds to local nonprofits.
Organizers describe the event as created by a team with roots in ultrarunning, Western States, Tevis, trail work, and volunteering. The setting is a private farm and the event emphasis is on community, crew support, and a low production, land-focused atmosphere rather than a large commercial presentation.
The event presentation references the howitzer as a metaphor for the combination of power, pride, and strategy each runner carries; the format rewards strategic pacing and endurance as runners decide how long to continue. The race does not use a traditional single finish line; the last remaining competitor is declared the winner when all others stop. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
