Lion King Backyard Ultra

Event Format

The Lion King Backyard Ultra is an ultramarathon where runners must complete a loop of 4.167 miles (6.706 kilometers) within one hour. Each new loop starts precisely one hour after the previous one began. The event ends when only one runner completes one more lap than all others; that runner is declared the winner. There is no predetermined finish distance or time.

Course

The race uses two courses at Lions Club Park in Rolla, Missouri. During daylight hours, runners follow a 4.167-mile dirt trail loop through mature forests and cedar groves. At night, they switch to a 4.167-mile paved trail that is an out-and-back route following a creek. Each loop starts and ends at a central corral near pavilions and a lake.

Facilities & Support

Runners have access to a dedicated 10x10 foot space under pavilions for themselves and their crew. The site includes pavilion cover, water spigots, a charging station, and porta-potties near the start and at the course midpoint. Two aid stations (at the start/finish corral and the halfway point) provide water, Tailwind nutrition, salt tablets, and restrooms.

Awards & Recognition

The winner is crowned "The Lion King" or "Queen" and receives a custom belt buckle, a bronze coin from Lazarus Lake, and a sponsor swag bag. The top male, top female, and the "assist" (the runner who completes the second-most laps) are inducted into a Hall of Fame. All participants receive a ribbon indicating the number of laps and miles they completed.

Charitable Cause

Fifty percent of the event's profits are donated, with 30% supporting the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and 20% supporting Lions Club Park.

Affiliation

This race is an affiliate of Big's Backyard Ultra. The winner's bronze coin guarantees entry into a Silver Ticket event for the Big's Backyard Ultra World Championship. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

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