The Newest Challenge in the Biggest Little Ultra Family: Sparks Backyard Ultra

"It's not about how fast you can go, it's about how long you can last."

We're thrilled to announce the newest addition to the Biggest Little Ultra family of races: the Sparks Backyard Ultra, starting on June 20, 2026, at the beautiful Sparks Marina in Nevada!

If you ran our flagship October 2025 Biggest Little Ultra race at the Sparks Marina, you already know the magic of this venue. This is a scenic flat paved loop around pristine water, the supportive community atmosphere, and the stunning Sierra Nevada mountains in the backdrop. Now imagine challenging yourself to see how far you can go: run a 4-mile loop every hour, on the hour, until only one person remains standing. Welcome to the backyard ultra format, and welcome to your next challenge.

What Makes This Race Special?

The Sparks Backyard Ultra isn't just another race—it's an official member of the Backyard Ultra Association, which means all participants are eligible to earn a coveted spot on the National Team for the Satellite Team Championships and the World Individual Championships at Big Dog's Backyard in Bell Buckle, Tennessee. This is your chance to compete on the world stage, right here in Sparks located next door to Reno, Nevada.

But here's what really sets us apart: we're making the backyard ultra format accessible to everyone. Not ready to commit to an open-ended race that could go 24, 48, or even 72 hours? No problem. We're offering mini-backyard races of 3, 6, 12, and 24 hours designed specifically to introduce newcomers to ultra running and the backyard format. Same rules, same course, just a defined endpoint so you can test your limits on your terms.

The Perfect Venue Meets the Ultimate Challenge

The Sparks Marina has proven itself as the crown jewel of Northern Nevada endurance racing. Minutes from Reno-Tahoe Airport, surrounded by hotels and casinos, and featuring every amenity a runner could need—this venue was practically designed for a backyard ultra. The 4.167-mile "yard" will consist of just over two laps of the marina loop, plus a short scenic section around Veterans Plaza and the Peninsula to hit the exact distance required by the format.

We're incredibly grateful to Mayor Ed Lawson, the Sparks City Council, and Nancy O'Connor from Sparks Parks & Recreation for partnering with us to bring this event to life. The City of Sparks has consistently proven that #ItsHappeningHere, welcoming world-class events that celebrate outdoor recreation and athletic excellence. Now they're opening their doors to one of the toughest formats in endurance sports.

What Can You Expect?

For the full Backyard Ultra runners: Water, ice, Heed, and standard aid station fare at the start/finish. Tents, chairs, and cots for your rest periods. Food trucks during meal times. And most importantly—a community of fellow warriors who will energize and incentivize you to go further than you ever thought possible. Everyone who reaches 100 miles (24 yards) receives a belt buckle and 100-mile finisher flannel shirt. The Last Person Standing takes home the ultimate prize, and the second place receives the Assist Award. In addition, the top three males and top three females receive awards.

For mini-backyard participants: The same experience, the same rules, the same course, just with a finish line at your chosen time. Complete your timed distance while finishing a yard every hour and you're a finisher. Every runner who crosses that threshold receives an award.

Ready to Test Your Limits?

The beauty—and brutality—of a backyard ultra is its simplicity. There's no pacing strategy, no negative splits to calculate, no finish line to target. There's only the next yard, the next hour, the next decision to keep going. It's the purest test of mental toughness and physical endurance in all of running.

Registration is now open through Ultra Signup. Whether you're a seasoned ultrarunner looking to qualify for World Championships or a curious newcomer ready to try something new with our mini-backyard options, we invite you to join the Biggest Little Ultra family for this groundbreaking event.

Mark your calendars: June 20, 2026, 8:00 AM at Sparks Marina.

The bell will ring. The clock will start. And the only question that matters is: how long can you last?

Register now and become part of the backyard ultra movement!