Sole Survivor Backyard Ultra - Richland, WA

Event format

Sole Survivor is a backyard ultra where runners complete the same loop every hour and must finish each loop within 60 minutes. All runners start the loop together; after each completed loop they may use the remaining time for rest, eating, or tending to gear but may not leave the venue or start the next loop early. No pacers are allowed. The run continues hour by hour until only one runner remains; that final runner must complete one additional solo loop to be the finisher. All other entrants are recorded as DNF if they do not match the finisher's total distance. The organizer moved the race start day to Saturday.

Course and logistics

Each loop is a short out-and-back paved section to space runners, then mostly single-track trail. The loop has about 40 feet of elevation gain and is roughly 30-40% shaded. There are some rocks and roots and one short steep climb of about 6-8 feet. One aid station is located at the start/finish with typical aid station food, ice, and hot soup for overnight runners. A barbecue will be available at dusk. Crews may attend but must stay in the parking lot. Pets are not allowed on course except for service animals. Several pop-up canopies are provided first-come, first-served; camping in participant spaces is allowed.

Awards and distances

Runners who reach 100 miles (24 hours) receive a custom belt buckle. The event is an affiliate of Big's Backyard Ultra; the winner may become eligible for entry and receive up to $500 for airfare. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

• 4.16667 miles per loop
• 7 hours equals a marathon distance
• 8 hours is a bit over a 50K
• 12 hours equals 50 miles
• 15 hours is a bit over 100K
• 24 hours equals 100 miles

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