News

New Team Competition (Backyard 24 only)

We've added what should be a fun, new competitive element to the 2025 Banana Slug Backyard 24: Teams!. Groups of up to 4 members can combine their total number of loops completed to compete against other teams. See the current team roster for the teams that have been organized so far, and for instructions on how to form your own team.

And runners in the Banana Slug Backyard Ultra, sorry, but your competition remains solely an individual, last-person-standing event. There will be no team scoring for that race.

2025 Registration is open!

Registration for the 2025 Banana Slug Backyard Ultra and the 2025 Banana Slug Backyard 24 are now open.

Both races are filling up surprisingly fast, (faster than in any previous year). See the current rosters for the 2025 Banana Slug Backyard Ultra or the 2025 Banana Slug Backyard 24.

The 2025 Banana Slug Backyard Ultra is now completely full having reached its cap of 75 runners. There is a waitlist available in case any drops create a new opening in the race.

Older news

James Holk

Description

A backyard ultra is a deviously simple race. Runners just have to complete a 4.167-mile course within a one-hour cutoff. And then line up to do that again at the top of the next hour. And again the next. And again. There's no limit on how long the race might be, (neither time nor distance). The race continues as long as there are multiple runners still on the course. The only way to finish the race is to complete the course when no other runner can.

There can be at most one finisher (and winner), while every other entrant is a DNF (did not finish).

The fastest runner won't necessarily win this race. And mental strength is every bit as important as physical strength. How long can you keep moving? If you fight hard enough to earn a DNF at a backyard ultra then you may have truly found your limit. If you win, you might still be wondering.

A "backyard 24" is a race with the same basic structure but with the mercy of ending after 24 hours (100 miles). Runners still must complete the 4.167-mile loop each hour within the hour or else be eliminated. There's no winner in a backyard 24, just those that finish all 24 loops, and those that don't. This race format is a great introduction to the basic structure of backyard-ultra running. If your personal longest run is anywhere from 5k to 50 miles, then a backyard 24 can be your perfect next race to set a a new personal record for the longest thing you have ever run.

Details

Location

The 2025 Banana Slug Backyard Ultra and Backyard 24 will both take place at Champoeg State Park at 8239 NE Champoeg Rd., St. Paul, OR 97137, (about 25 miles south of Portland) along the beautiful Willamette River.

Dates

The Banana Slug Backyard 24 will start precisely at 8:00 AM on Saturday, April 19, 2025 and will end at 8:00 AM on Sunday, April 20 (or sooner if there are no finishers).

The Banana Slug Backyard Ultra will start precisely at 7:00 AM on Friday, April 25, 2025 and there's no way to predict when it will end. It depends on who shows up and how long they can outlast each other.

In either race, all runners present will attempt to complete a 4.167-mile course in one hour, or will be eliminated. Then, at the top of the next hour, all remaining runners willing to continue will line up at the starting line for another loop, again with a one-hour time limit. This will continue until the end of the 24th loop for the backyard 24. But the backyard ultra only ends when there is a loop that only a single runner is able to complete within the time limit, (or, perhaps until there's a loop with no finisher).

Given this format, it's hard to predict when the Banana Slug Backyard Ultra will end. Runners should come fully prepared to run through the night, (bring reflective clothing, a headlamp, and spare batteries), and bring all the food and clothing needed to go for their maximum distance.

Rules

Starts

Each loop starts precisely at the top of the hour with the ringing of a cowbell
Any runner not in the starting corral at the bell is eliminated
All runners must start at the bell (no late starts)
Warning whistles will be given 3, 2, and 1 minutes prior to the start

Loops

Once a loop starts, no runner can leave the course (except for restrooms)
No non-competitors are allowed on the course (some public may be encountered). No pacers!
No personal aid can be given during a loop
No artificial aids are allowed (including trekking poles)
Each loop must be completed within an hour to be counted
Slower runners must allow passes

Winner

Only the Banana Slug Backyard Ultra has a winner, the Banana Slug Backyard 24 does not
The winner is the person who completes a loop that no other runner completes
All others are technically DNF
If there is a loop that no runner completes, there is no winner

Course

Both races use a lovely system of trails at Champoeg State Park. The day course follows a single-track trail through trees and along the river with scenic views.

The trail course will be used for the first 12 hours of the race. At 7:00 PM the race will switch to the night course which is entirely on a paved bike path. The race will switch back to the trail course at 7:00 AM the next morning and continue switching back and forth between these two courses every 12 hours until the race is complete.

Both courses are relatively flat with roughly 250 ft. of vertical gain over either loop.

Canopy Selection

For an additional fee paid at registration, runners can reserve a space to setup their own 10x10' canopy for a personal aid station near the starting corral. Since runners are mindful of every additional step they must make during the race, there is some understanable motivation to obtain the best possible location for the canopy. For fairness to all runners, here are the rules for canopy site selection:

When you check-in and receive your race packet, if you reserved a canopy site, your packet will include a canopy tag that must be hung on your canopy throughout the race.
Nobody is permitted to claim a canopy site prior to receving their canopy tag.
If your preferred canopy site is occupied by an un-tagged canopy, please alert a race volunteer who will direct the occupants to move their canopy.
During the race, as runners are eliminated, they must move their canopies if other runners wish to move into the space.
It is permissible for a crew member to obtain the canopy tag and setup the canopy tag for their runner. If you are doing this, please let the race director know in advance and/or bring photo ID of the runner to check-in.
If a person is crewing multiple runners in the race, they may obtain multiple canopy tags, but only one at a time. That is, after obtaining a tag, they must go to the back of the line (if any) before obtaining an additional tag.
Note that early checkin (Thursday night) is _only_ available to runners of the backyard ultra who select the "camping" option when registering (see below). But starting in 2025, canopy spots for those camping may be claimed Thursday evening after early check-in.

Check-in and Camping

For the Banana Slug Backyard Ultra only, and for an optional fee paid at registration, early checkin and race-packet pickup is available at 5:00 PM on Thursday evening, the night before the race. This is the earliest possible time a runner can obtain their canopy tag and select a canopy site.

Those camping can choose to sleep in their preferred canopy spot; in a tent they bring to setup in a mowed, grassy area outside the zone of race canopies; or in their car. The camping facilities include flushing toilets, running water, and outdoor BBQ grills, but do not include campfire pits.

For those who are not camping, (including everyone in the Banana Slug Backyard 24), check-in will be available the morning of the event, 2 hours before the start of the race, (at 5:00 AM for the Backyard Ultra and at 6:00 AM for the Backyard 24).

Amenities

For any time that runners have available between loops, we have a large, covered pavilion available. The pavilion includes 20 picnic tables which runners can use as a personal aid station where they can store personal items (food clothing, etc.). These items and the pavilion will be easily accessible during "interloopal" periods (as the pavilion is immediately adjacent to the start/finish line).

Picnic table space can be claimed on a first-come, first-served basis during race check-in/setup. Since picnic table space is limited, runners without a canopy have priority over anyone with a canopy. And in no circumstance should any runner use more than one half of one picnic table.

Any runner wanting more space than half a picnic table can reserve a 10'x10' space in the grass (near the starting area) where they can setup a pop-up canopy, (canopies are not provided by the race, and must be brought by participants). This reservation requires an additional fee paid at the time of registration.

Toilet facilities will be available along the course and the beginning and end of the loop as well as on either side of the middle of each loop (at approimately 1.5 and 2.5 miles). These toilets are positioned on both the day and the night courses.

The race will provide a common aid station at the start/finish pavilion with Tailwind Endurance Fuel, water, and bananas (of course!). No aid stations are provided along the course, but you'll be returning to the start regularly. Runners are encouraged to bring preferred food and beverage as needed for an endurance race. There's no obligation, but runners can contribute anything they'd like to the common aid station, which commonly happens as runners are eliminated.

Finally, a caterer will be on-site, preparing hot meals throughout the race. Each runner's registration includes one hot finish-line meal. Additional meals may be purchased from the caterer during or after the race.

Parking

Your registration fee (paid in advance here on the website) includes participation in the race itself as well as parking for a single vehicle throughout the race. So, do not pay any additional fees when entering the park!

Any spectators or crew driving their own vehicles will need to pay for parking. There are two options for this additional parking fee:

$5 day use fee (valid for 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM) paid at the pay booth when entering the park
$10 all-hours parking fee (valid throughout the race) paid to a race volunteer at the check-in table

If choosing the all-hours parking, there is no need to pay at the booth when entering the park. Simply drive to the Riverside parking lot, pay a race volunteer for parking, and then display the parking pass received in your vehicle throuhout the race.

Supporting

A portion of the proceeds from these race will be donated to local non-profit organizations that have some connection to the runners and race organizers. Here are the two organizations that will benefit in 2025:

Children's Center is a Children’s Advocacy Center whose mission is to work with the community to end abuse and neglect through assessment, treatment, and prevention. They are working to build a world where all children feel safe, valued, and heard.

In recognition of April as Child Abuse Prevention Month we encourage everyone to make a donation to Children's Center, a non-profit 501c(3) organization.

Clackamas County Search and Rescue is a local all-volunteer non-profit organization dedicated to providing Search and Rescue assistance for people who are lost or injured out of doors.

Registration

Registration fees are as follows:

Banana Slug Backyard 24

Standard (April 30 - Oct. 31, 2024):: $100.00
Late (Nov. 1, 2024 - Feb. 28, 2025):: $120.00

Banana Slug Backyard Ultra

Standard (April 30 - Oct. 31, 2024):: $160.00
Late (Nov. 1, 2024 - Feb. 28, 2025):: $200.00

Registration includes all of the following:

Participation in the race
Parking for a single vehicle throughout the race
A personalized, milled wooden "medal"
Banana Slug Backyard tube bandana
One hot meal during or after the race

Optional extras:

10x10' canopy site (canopy not provided):: $25.00
Early checkin/camping (Thursday night, Backyard Ultra only):: $25.00

Registration will close March 1, 2025, (about 6-8 weeks before the race), or when the race is full at 75 runners, whichever comes first. See the list of registered runners for the 2025 Banana Slug Backyard Ultra or the 2025 Banana Slug Backyard 24.

Select event to register:

You are registering for the Banana Slug Backyard 24 (April 19, 2025). This event has a hard limit of 24 loops/hours (100 miles). For an unlimited event, select the Banana Slug Backyard Ultra instead.

You are adding your name to the wait list for the Banana Slug Backyard Ultra (April 25, 2025). This is a last-person-standing event with no limit in time or distance, (it was 49 hours and 204.17 miles in 2024). For a race with a 24-hour and 100-mile limit select the Banana Slug Backyard 24 instead.

First Name

Last Name

Name or nickname (to be published on roster/results)

Do you want early checkin/camping?

Will you setup your own 10x10' canopy at the starting area?

Email address

Phone number

The 2025 Banana Slug Backyard Ultra is now completely full having reached its cap of 75 runners (see the current roster). The race is maintaining a wait list for interested runners. If any new openings are created in the race due to a withdrawal, (up until March 1, 2025), these spots will be filled from the wait list in order of submission.

Address

City

State

Zip code

Waiver of Claims and Release of Liability
=========================================

In consideration of the individual named below ("I", "me", "my") being permitted to participate in the 2024 Banana Slug Backyard Ultra (the “Event”) by Event organizers and any affiliated individuals or entities associated with the Event (the "Releasees") I agree to all the terms and conditions set forth in this agreement.

I acknowledge that running is a potentially hazardous activity, which could cause injury or death. I certify that I am medically able to perform this event, I am in good health, and I am properly trained.

I understand that the Event includes both paved and unpaved sections with hazards that may include uneven surfaces; broken pavement; tree roots; loose rocks; muddy, mossy, or otherwise wet and slippery areas; steep drop-offs; and exposure to creeks and rivers.

I understand the Event occurs during both day and night hours and entails running in the dark. I will bring and use all necessary clothing and gear to both see and be seen, (reflective vest, headlamp, extra batteries, etc.), or will not be allowed to continue in the dark.

I recognize that running, especially at a high intensity, or for long distances, may depress my immune system making me MORE susceptible to illness in general. I know that if I choose to participate in the Event, I may be at greater risk of contracting a communicable disease, including, but not limited to contracting COVID-19.

I AM AWARE AND UNDERSTAND THAT THE EVENT INVOLVES CERTAIN RISKS, DANGERS, AND HAZARDS, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE RISK OF SERIOUS INJURY, DEATH OR PROPERTY DAMAGE. I ASSUME FULL AND COMPLETE RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY INJURY OR ACCIDENT WHICH MAY OCCUR DUE TO PARTICIPATION IN THE EVENT. I HEREBY WAIVE AND RELEASE THE RELEASEES FROM ANY LIABILITY OR CLAIMS OF ANY KIND ARISING OUT OF MY PARTICIPATION IN THE EVENT.

I agree to defend, indemnify and hold harmless the Releasees against any and all losses, damages, claims, costs, or expenses of any kind, including reasonable legal fees, in connection with any third-party suit or action arising out of the Event.

I grant permission for the Event to use my name, photographs, or recordings of this Event for any legal purpose.

I grant permission to the director of the Event to remove me from the Event at any time solely at their discretion. I attest that I have read the rules of the race and agree to abide by them.

I understand that entry fees are not refundable under any circumstances. The director of the Event reserves the right to modify or cancel the Event for any reason, and in such cases there will be no refunds of race entry fees.

I have read the foregoing and certify my agreement by checking this box and continuing with the registration process.

Emergency Contact Name

Emergency Contact Phone number

Credit or debit card

Total charge: $.00

History

The Backyard Ultra was invented by Lazarus "Laz" Lake who first hosted the original Big's Backyard Ultra in his own backyard (and with his dog, Big) in 2011.

As that race has grown in popularity, a number of affiliated races with identical rules sprang up all over the world. These races have been organized into a world championship with the winner of any race earning automatic entry to the next level, (bronze, silver, and gold). The original Big's Backyard Ultra is now either the US National Championship Backyard Ultra race (in even years) or the World Championship Backyard Ultra race (in odd years).

The Banana Slug Backyard Ultra first started in 2022 and was a Silver Ticket race in 2024. Scott Martin, the 2024 winner, secured a spot in the 2024 US National Championship at Big's, which is itself a Gold Ticket for the 2025 World Championship at Big's.

The Banana Slug Backyard 24 was first launched in 2024 after Laz introduced the concept of a "backyard 24" as a way to make the backyard-ulra format more accessible and available to more runners.

Results

Here is a summary of results from previous years of our races. Click/tap on any row for the complete results of every runner in that year's race:

Banana Slug Backyard Ultra
Year	Result	Winner	Assist
2024	49 hours (204.17 miles)	Scott Martin	Julija Šorytė
2023	33 hours (137.5 miles)	Scott Martin	Mikey Sklar
2022	34 hours (141.67 miles)	Scott Martin	Ryan Cotton

Banana Slug Backyard 24
Year	Result	Finishers
2024	24 hours (100 miles)	Shannon Black
		Van "Pigtails" Phan

Contact us

If you have any questions about these events, or if you would like to volunteer to help make these events a success, please don't hesitate to email Carl Worth <carl@slug.run>