Lion King Backyard Ultra
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Lion King Backyard Ultra - Rolla, Missouri
The Lion King Backyard Ultra is a backyard-ultramarathon held at Lions Club Park in Rolla, MO. The event uses a repeated loop format: each lap is 4.167 miles (metric equivalent 6.7056 kilometers) and must be completed within one hour. Loops begin on the hour and the race continues until one competitor completes one more lap than any other; there is no predetermined end distance or time.
The course is a dirt trail lap during daylight and a paved out-and-back at night. The race uses the park pavilions and a corral located between the lake and the pavilions. The route passes through areas of mature deciduous forest and eastern red cedar groves, includes small creek crossings on the day loop, and finishes each lap on a short paved straight into the corral. The first portion of the event is run on dirt for multiple laps before switching to the paved route.
Race rules specify that competitors must start each loop at the bell, complete each loop within the hour to have it counted, and may not leave the course during a loop except for restrooms. Common aid stations are permitted; no personal aid during a loop. A visible running timer will display race time.
Awards include a custom belt buckle and a bronze coin for the winner, swag and ribbons for completed distances, and induction of top finishers and the assist into a Hall of Fame. Fifty percent of race profits are allocated to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and Lions Club Park. On-site packet pickup is available the day before and the morning of the race. Refund policy: 50% refund available until August 1, 2025; after that no refunds. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
