Lion King Backyard Ultra
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About the race
Lion King Backyard Ultra is a backyard ultramarathon held at Lions Club Park in Rolla, MO. The event uses a single loop of 4.167 miles (6.706 km) that competitors must complete within one hour; each loop begins one hour after the previous. The format has no predefined end: the last runner to complete one more loop than the next finisher is the winner.
The course is a dirt trail loop during daylight and a paved out-and-back at night. The first 11 laps are run on the dirt trail before switching to the paved section. The dirt lap passes through mature deciduous trees, multiple cedar groves, open fields and a short paved stretch around the lake; the final 0.167 mile returns to the starting corral. The paved night section follows a creek and rural countryside on an out-and-back course.
Race rules include no pacers, no personal aid while on a loop (common aid stations are allowed), no artificial aids, and the requirement that competitors start each loop at the bell and complete the loop within the hour. The starting corral and pavilions provide water, toilets, staff, charging outlets, and designated 10x10 spaces for runners and crew; additional porta-potties are on the course.
Awards include a custom Lion King belt buckle, a bronze coin, swag, and ribbons showing completed distance. Fifty percent of race profits will be split to support the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline and Lions Club Park. A 50% refund is available until August 1, 2025; after that no refunds are offered. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
