Last Woman Standing - Phoenix

Last Woman Standing - Phoenix

Last Woman Standing Back Yard Ultra is a women only back yard ultra using the Big's Back Yard Ultra format. Runners complete a 4.167 mile loop that is started every hour on the hour by a dinner bell; all runners must be in the corral at the start and there are 3, 2 and 1 minute warnings before each lap.

The course begins on runnable forest trails with gentle ups and downs, crossing a small stream and running along an ancient glacial esker. Around mile 2 the route leaves dense forest for a grassy trail around the perimeter of a large field with long, slow inclines and descents and extended sun exposure. A watchtower with a lantern marks the return route to the woods. At about 3.5 miles the trail returns to the woods near the edge of a former Christmas tree farm and finishes back at the homestead. Nighttime running offers stargazing under open sky.

Organizers provide start/finish fuel including potato chips, pretzels, M&M's, soda, water and energy drink; evening extras may include coffee, pizza and sweet treats. Participants may set up support tents with crew in a large grassy yard at the start/finish. Per Back Yard Ultra rules, runners must start each lap with everything they need, no assistive devices such as trekking poles are permitted, and no food or aid is allowed on the course or the runner faces elimination. A headlamp with spare batteries is required after dusk. After finishing, participants may dip legs in a small pond and observe remaining competitors.

Distances acknowledged at milestones include:

• Half marathon
• Marathon
• 50K
• 50 miles
• 100K
• 100 miles

Registration opens May 18 and an introductory fee of $85 applies through June 15. Fees increase on June 16, July 16 and August 16 to $105, $125 and $145 respectively. A portion of proceeds will be donated to local women's shelters such as Rescue Mission Women's & Children's Shelter or Vera House. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

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