Sparks Backyard Ultra Celebrates Endurance, Community, and the Spirit of Going Further
- Jul 19
- 3 min read
by Keith Kirby, Friend of the race
Sparks, Nevada — June 20, 2026
Under picture-perfect Northern Nevada skies, a new chapter in the region's endurance racing story was written at the Sparks Marina as athletes gathered for the inaugural Sparks Backyard Ultra, an event built around one simple question: How far can you go when the clock keeps calling you back?
The newest addition to the Biggest Little Ultra family brought together seasoned ultrarunners, first-time endurance athletes, and a passionate community of volunteers for a memorable day of perseverance, camaraderie, and personal achievement. The event featured the traditional Backyard Ultra format, along with 3, 6, 12, and 24-hour mini-Backyard options designed to welcome runners of all experience levels into the unique world of timed endurance racing.
The Format
Unlike traditional races where competitors chase a predetermined finish line, the Backyard Ultra format challenges participants to complete a 4.167-mile "yard" every hour, on the hour. Those who finish return to the start line ready for the next loop. The process continues until only one athlete remains standing.
At Sparks Marina, the course offered a welcoming introduction to the format: a paved, nearly flat 4.167-mile course with minimal elevation gain. The accessible design created an ideal environment for newcomers to experience their first ultra challenge while still providing experienced athletes an opportunity to test their endurance, strategy, and mental strength.
A Community Effort
Hosting the inaugural event was ultra distance veteran Todd Leigh, who, alongside a dedicated team of experienced and enthusiastic volunteers, created an atmosphere that reflected the very best qualities of the endurance community: encouragement, connection, and shared purpose.
One participant captured the spirit of the day perfectly:
"What stood out most was how much you genuinely cared about every runner's experience. From the organization of the event to the atmosphere you created, it was obvious that this wasn't just another race, it was a community. That level of care doesn't go unnoticed."
Those words reflect what makes events like the Sparks Backyard Ultra special. While the miles matter, the memories created between miles often matter more. The conversations at the aid station, the encouragement from fellow competitors, and the support from volunteers become just as important as the distance covered.
Ideal Conditions, Personal Records
Fortunately for the athletes, Mother Nature provided ideal endurance racing conditions. Moderate temperatures throughout the day and evening allowed runners to perform at a high level, with many participants exceeding their own expectations and achieving personal records. The combination of a runner-friendly course, strong organization, and supportive environment helped create a race experience where athletes could focus on one goal: completing one more yard.
The Results
When the results were tallied, Kenny Krygier of Delaware led the field with an impressive 25 yards completed. Aaron Lee and Isaac Anguiano followed closely, reaching 24 yards before choosing to step away together and earn recognition for a two-person assist—a fitting reflection of the camaraderie at the heart of the Backyard Ultra experience.
Nicole Ward of Reno, Nevada was the top female finisher with 9 yards, highlighting the strength and determination of the local endurance community. Complete results can be found on UltraSignup.
Looking Ahead
The success of the inaugural Sparks Backyard Ultra reinforces the growing presence of endurance athletics in Northern Nevada. With its scenic setting, accessible course design, and community-first approach, the event showcased why the Backyard Ultra format continues to attract athletes around the world.
The beauty of the Backyard Ultra is found in its simplicity: every runner begins together, every hour presents a new opportunity, and every completed yard represents another small victory.
In Sparks, the first bell has rung, and the endurance community has answered.
The journey has officially begun.
Select photos can be downloaded royalty-free here.
