About

Sparks Backyard Ultra is part of the official Backyard Ultra Association, offering participants a unique running challenge. This endurance race consists of a 4.167-mile loop at Sparks Marina, which runners must complete each hour to remain in the competition. The loop consists of slightly over two laps at the Marina, with an additional short loop around the Veteran's Plaza and Peninsula to ensure the exact distance is met. The goal is to keep running these loops until only one runner remains. This structure means that each competitor attempts a 100-mile distance divided into 24 one-hour segments. Newcomers can familiarize themselves with this ultra-running format through mini races lasting 3, 6, 12, or 24 hours, though these events are not open-ended like the main race.