WELCOME to the SPARKS BACKYARD ULTRA and SPARKS BIGGEST LITTLE ULTRA
Sparks Backyard Ultra June 20, 2026
Sparks Biggest Little Ultra October 9-11, 2026​
WHAT IS THE SPARKS BACKYARD ULTRA?
Join us on June 20, 2026, for the Sparks Backyard Ultra!
The Backyard Ultra is a "last person standing" ultramarathon where runners must complete a 4.167-mile loop on the hour, every hour. If runners finish their loop early, they can rest, eat, or sleep until the next loop begins on the hour mark, but if they fail to make it back in time or fail to start the next lap, they're out. The beauty—and brutality—of this format is its simplicity: there is no predetermined finish line, no time goal to chase, and no second place finisher.
The backyard ultra format was invented by Gary "Lazarus Lake" Cantrell, who is also one of the founders and race directors of the Barkley Marathons. The original race, Big's Backyard Ultra, is held on Cantrell's property in Bell Buckle, Tennessee. What began as a small gathering has exploded into a global phenomenon, with hundreds of backyard ultras now held in over 85 countries worldwide.
WHAT IS THE SPARKS BIGGEST LITTLE ULTRA?
Our 2nd Annual Sparks Biggest Little Ultra will be held October 9-11, 2026!
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This is a fixed time/fixed distance race held over two days for runners and walkers. We offer a 3 hour, 6 hour, 12 hour, 24 hour and 48 hour race as well as a 100 mile and 50 mile race. We also offer a 6-hour relay for up to six team members.
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One of the goals of the Biggest Little Ultra is to bring more runners and walkers into the wonderful world of Ultra Running. To that end, we are offering a 3-hour race. this is for runners and walkers who may have done a shorter race, but have wondered what it is like to go longer. This is a great opportunity to test yourself and reach new goals. ​The course is flat and safe so you can enjoy the challenge of pushing your limits!
To run a race in first or last place or anywhere in between is to test the limits of the human spirit. This deeply personal experience is something most people will never experience. Come to the Biggest Little Ultra and rejoice in your abilities and your resolve.
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RUN, HAVE FUN, AND DO GOOD
The Sparks Backyard Ultra and Sparks Biggest Little Ultra races are for a good cause. In 2026 we will continue to provide a portion of the proceeds from the race to the impressive and worthy nonprofit organization, Liberty Dogs.
Go to libertydogs.org for more information on the great work they are doing with training service dogs for our disabled Veterans.
WE ARE SPONSORED BY:
Aflac
Health insurance wasn't designed to cover everything. That's why there's Aflac. We can help take care of what health insurance doesn't cover, so you and your employees can focus on caring for everything else. Email us for more info.
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Broadbent & Associates, Inc.
Broadbent & Associates, Inc. is a full-service environmental consulting firm with over 35 years of experience offering environmental, engineering, and water resource services. We help our clients maintain compliance, manage environmental liabilities, and develop resources in an affordable and predictable manner. Learn more at www.broadbentinc.com
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Hammer Nutrition
Endurance nutrition products - Promoting endurance and optimum health since 1987.
Kro-built
A trailer repair company in Reno specializing in trailer repair, parts and custom fabrication.
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Mount to Coast™
Mount to Coast is a performance footwear brand rooted in long-distance running. We create shoes that meet the standards of the world’s toughest races and allow ultrarunners to test their limits.
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Sierra Summit Tax and Wealth Management LLC
A tax preparation company serving the needs of Northern Nevadans and beyond.
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Shaklee Wellness Products
Safe, scientifically-proven, earth-friendly products. Use this link for a free membership that gives you 15% off all items. ($50 minimum purchase)
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