Lion King Backyard Ultra
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Lion King Backyard Ultra
Lion King Backyard Ultra is a backyard ultra held at Lions Club Park in Rolla, MO. The event uses a single loop of 4.167 miles (6.706 kilometers). Competitors must complete each loop within one hour; loops repeat hourly and the race continues until one runner completes one more loop than any other. Reaching the 24 hour mark means a runner has covered more than 100 miles.
The daytime lap follows a 4.167 mile dirt trail through mature deciduous trees and cedar groves, with short creek crossings and a final paved straight into the starting corral between the lake and the pavilions. Night laps use a 4.167 mile paved out-and-back route that follows a creek and rural countryside. The first 11 laps are on the dirt trail before the course switches to paved sections for night running.
Course rules state that runners must start each loop on the bell, remain on course except for restroom stops, and finish each loop within an hour. No artificial aids such as trekking poles are allowed and personal aid is not permitted during a loop; common aid stations are available. The winner is the last person to complete a loop; if no one completes one more loop than all others, no winner is declared.
Awards include a custom belt buckle, a bronze coin and a swag bag for the winner, ribbons for all finishers showing laps completed, and induction of Top Male, Top Female and the Assist into the event Hall of Fame. Fifty percent of profits are designated for charitable support, with specific portions allocated to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline and Lions Club Park. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
