Lion King Backyard Ultra
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Lion King Backyard Ultra
The Lion King Backyard Ultra is an ultramarathon event held at Lions Club Park in Rolla, Missouri on October 10, 2026. The format uses a repeated loop of 4.167 miles (6.706 km); each lap must be completed within one hour and the race continues until one runner completes one more lap than any other runner.
The course runs from a corral located between the lake and the park pavilions. During daylight the lap follows a 4.167 mile dirt trail that passes through mature deciduous forest, several cedar groves, small creek crossings, open fields and finishes with a short paved straight into the corral. Night laps use a 4.167 mile paved out-and-back route that follows a flowing creek and rural countryside.
Facilities at the park include covered pavilions with dedicated 10 by 10 spaces for runners and crew, water spigots, a charging station with plugs and USB outlets, and porta-potties near the corral and at the two-mile point. The corral will provide water, salt tablets, restrooms and staff support; a visible race timer will display elapsed time during the event. Crew camping is permitted at designated areas during race hours.
Awards include crowning the overall winner as THE LION KING or QUEEN, a custom belt buckle, a bronze coin and a sponsor swag bag. Top male, top female and the assist are inducted into the event Hall of Fame and all finishers receive a ribbon showing completed laps and miles.
Fifty percent of race profits are allocated to charity, with 30 percent designated for the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline and 20 percent to Lions Club Park. The event is affiliated with Bigs Backyard Ultra. A 50 percent refund is available until August 1, 2025; after that no refunds are given. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
