Backyard Ultra Individual World Championship 2025: What You Need to Know

The Backyard Ultra Individual World Championship 2025 is set to be one of the most grueling and exciting events in the world of ultrarunning. Taking place in Bell Buckle, Tennessee, this race is a test of endurance, mental strength, and physical capability. The event, known as Big’s Backyard Ultra, has become a global phenomenon, drawing some of the toughest runners from around the world.

What Is the Backyard Ultra?

The Backyard Ultra is an elimination-style race where participants must complete a 4.167-mile loop every hour until only one runner remains. If a runner fails to complete a lap within the hour, they are eliminated. The race continues until only one person is left, who must complete one final lap solo to win. This format tests not just speed but also resilience, pacing, and mental control.

When and Where

The 2025 Backyard Ultra Individual World Championship will begin on Saturday, October 18, at 7:00 a.m. Central Time in Bell Buckle, Tennessee. The race takes place on Laz Lake’s private property, affectionately called “Big Dog’s Backyard.” The course alternates between two loops, a trail loop through woods and fields during daylight hours, and a paved road loop at night. Both total exactly 4.167 miles, and both test runners in different ways, uneven terrain, humidity, and footing by day, darkness, chill, and mental fatigue by night.

How to Qualify

Reaching Big’s is a career-defining achievement in itself. The qualification process spans two years and dozens of countries. The top 50 finishers from national Backyard Ultra championships earn automatic entry, representing their countries after the 2024 Team World Championships. Another 25 spots are filled from the At-Large list, made up of the best performances worldwide between August 2023 and August 2025.

The 2025 Field: The Best of the Best

This year’s field is the strongest ever assembled, featuring names that have redefined human endurance. Phil Gore (Australia), the reigning world record holder with 119 loops, is a key contender. Other notable participants include Sam Harvey (New Zealand), Łukasz Wróbel (Poland), Harvey Lewis (USA), Ivo Steyaert and Merijn Geerts (Belgium), Megan Eckert (USA), and Sarah Perry (UK).

Key Storylines to Watch

The Record Chase: Can Anyone Survive 120 Loops?

All eyes are on whether anyone can push past 119 loops, the current world record. Phil Gore and Sam Harvey are both in peak form, with Belgium’s elite duo and Poland’s Łukasz Wróbel waiting in the wings. Even Lazarus Lake himself believes this could be the year the 120-loop barrier falls. The potential for a five-day race is real.

Women on the Rise: Sarah Perry and Megan Eckert Lead the Charge

Only four women are on the 2025 start list, but each brings serious credentials. Megan Eckert, the reigning women’s world record holder, is back to defend her 87-loop mark. The UK’s Sarah Perry, competing outside Britain for the first time, hopes to extend her national record and prove that women can hang deep into the final days.

The European Powerhouse: Belgium’s Backyard Empire

Belgium might be the deepest country in the field. Led by Ivo Steyaert and Merijn Geerts, the Belgians have turned the Backyard into a national pastime. Their precision, pacing, and teamwork could define the early days of the race, controlling tempo and ensuring someone from their squad goes deep.

The Return of Harvey Lewis: A Legend Chasing Immortality

Few names in ultrarunning command more respect than Harvey Lewis. The Cincinnati schoolteacher is one of the most composed competitors in Backyard history, a two-time winner who thrives on routine and optimism. At 48, this could be his last great stand at Big’s. If Lewis can once again push beyond 100 loops, it would be another chapter in one of ultrarunning’s most enduring careers.

The Road Ahead

Fifteen years after its creation, the Backyard Ultra has become more than a race; it’s a philosophy. For Lazarus Lake, it’s about exploring the boundary between endurance and surrender. “There’s no finish line,” he likes to remind runners. “You just keep going until you can’t.”

As the 75 runners toe the line this Saturday morning, they’ll begin a ritual that could stretch for days. Some will stop after a few loops, others after a few dozen. A handful may see a fifth sunrise. No one knows when it will end. That uncertainty, that infinite horizon, is what makes Big’s so compelling.

Conclusion

The Backyard Ultra Individual World Championship 2025 promises to be an unforgettable event, showcasing the limits of human endurance and the spirit of competition. With a strong field of contenders and a rich history, this race is a testament to the dedication and perseverance of ultrarunners around the globe. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or a casual observer, the Backyard Ultra offers a unique glimpse into the world of extreme endurance sports.

Stay updated with the latest news and developments from the Backyard Ultra Individual World Championship 2025. Follow the race as it unfolds and witness the incredible feats of these athletes as they push themselves to the limit.