It goes on for a little bitty while!
Little Bitty Backyard will be at the Wildlands Conservancy South Mountain Preserve in Emmaus, PA. This is a last man (woman or non-binary) standing event, meaning it goes on until everyone else fails or quits. The loop will be done every hour on the hour. You miss your start time for the next loop, you’re out. Until then, there is no end.
Unlike most backyard ultras, this one packs a bit more of a punch. The loop we have selected for this event is about 3.4 miles with 350+ ft of elevation change over quite challenging terrain. We can confidently say this will be a smidge harder than what we know to be the standard for a backyard.
The first loop will start at 7AM on June 13th, 2026. The last loop… we’ll find out.
Returning during this multi-day event is our favorite nighttime race, Blackout! Do you want to test yourself on one loop of the backyard course at night? This will kick off at 8:30PM on June 13th, 2026… over 12 hours into Little Bitty Backyard.
june 13th 2026
presented by
course map
about the event
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Backyard Ultra
Blackout
Best Day Beer Mile
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6AM Backyard bib-pickup
7AM Backyard begins
7:30PM Blackout bib-pickup
8:30PM Blackout begins
TBD Best Day Beer Mile
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This is a zero carbon event, meaning we take into account the emissions released in relation to hosting this trail race. The Running Kind will be subsidizing the cost to offset the event, however there is a fee included in your registration specifically for this cost. This will offset the carbon emissions for your personal travel to and from the event. We are excited to partner with Change Climate to support a carbon offset project we believe in.
In addition to going zero carbon at this event, The Running Kind will be collecting monetary donations for Wildlands Conservancy.
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coming soon...
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The rules are simple.
We will start every loop promptly on the hour mark. If you are not in the corral by that bell, you’re out. You have one hour until the next bell. Make it back early, you have some transition time at your tent. Make it back late, you’re out. This will continue until two people remain and one of them fails or quits. It doesn’t matter how fast you run each lap, just that you are there to start the next one.
Every runner will be allotted a 10×10 space. In this space you can set up a 10×10 tent, cot, sleeping bag, tent, aid station, etc. This is your transition space. You are permitted to have crew with you for transitioning. No pacers allowed. You can set up your space starting at 6AM on race day.
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Blackout will be chip timed.
Little Bitty Backyard will not have chip timed loops, your time doesn’t matter.
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Gently worn, used or new shoes are accepted for donation for Sneakers 4 Good. Funds raised from the Sneakers 4 Good program will go to our nonprofit partner, Wildlands Conservancy.
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In an effort to improve diversity in trail racing and remove a potential barrier for the under-served and under-represented, Go Beyond Racing established the Trail Mix Fund™ in 2021. This Fund pays the race registration fee for runners who cannot afford it or aren’t sure they belong in the sport. The response to the Trail Mix Fund was so positive that this official not-for-profit organization was created and is now helping more trail racers get to the starting line.
Do you want to race but can’t afford the entry fee? Are you a part of the BIPOC or LGBTQ+ community?
Apply to the Trail Mix Fund to have your registration fee waived to any of our events.
not running? get involved!
volunteer
Come join us on race day and be a part of helping us move the sport to zero carbon. Opportunities available before race day, day of event & post event.
Start/finish line volunteers
Please email us with your availability & interest! Those that volunteer with us earn a future free race entry!
partner
Are you a business owner or part of a team? We want to have you involved in our event. We have opportunities for corporate partnership, discounts and volunteering.
Feel free to also utilize this to share sustainable brands with us that you would like to see at this event! We are excited to continue engaging the Lehigh Valley community at Little Bitty Backyard.
