2027 Cottonwood Countdown: Nelson Backyard Ultra

The devious brainchild of Lazarus Lake, the creator of the Barkley Marathons, a Backyard Ultra is a no-frills trail running race that almost anyone can attempt. The rules are simple. At 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, the horn sounds to start the race. Runners complete a lap of the 6.7km trail (compact gravel rail trail, beside a lake, partially forested, and partially in a mountain meadow. It's deceptively challenging). Runners need to finish within one hour - which is achievable by most runners, even beginners. At the end of their lap, they have whatever time is left in the hour to rest, eat, and stretch. At exactly 10:00 a.m., the horn sounds again, and everyone heads off for lap #2. If you don't finish in the hour, or choose not to start the next hour, you're eliminated from the race and you're listed as DNF (did not finish).The race ends when only one person successfully completes a lap. That person is the winner. Backyards are 'no-frills' events, meaning runners are responsible for their own aid and support. We'll have porta-potties, water, and some basic supplies at the start/finish corral, but runners need to have their own support crew if needed. It's competitive, but based in camaraderie, because everyone starts each lap together. It's accessible to most runners, because it's about endurance and perseverance, not necessarily speed. It's a great test of your ability to push through pain, fatigue, and exhaustion, with the cheering support of your fellow competitors. There's no other race like it.