Bob's Big Timber Backyard Ultra - A Last Man Standing Event

About the Venue - Hunter's Tree Farm Info

Bob’s Big Timber Backyard Ultra is held on part of the Hunter Family generational tree farm.  The farm is nestled in the scenic foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, outside of Glenmont, Ohio.  Beginning with Bob’s two great grandparents, the earliest parcels of the farm were purchased in the 1870’s.  The open field where the start/finish line is located will offer runners a panoramic view of the beautiful foothills you will be running through.  This particular parcel of land was purchased by Lew Mitten in 1889.  Today the family tree farm is approximately 400 acres with over 17 miles of trails.  The trails are enjoyed by family and friends for trail running, hiking, and just enjoying life.

Timber from the farm has been used by family members for generations: as income, material for building farm structures, a covered bridge, log cabin, remodeling projects, and furniture to furnish their cabin and home.  The Whistling Pines 112 Team Relay held at the farm on the last weekend in October runs through the covered bridge and by the log cabin. 

Reforestation has taken place on the farm since the 1930’s.  You will run through/by several reforested large pine groves, surrounded by large hardwoods that were once tilled fields.  Reforestation practices continue today on the farm, where over 50,000 trees have been planted since 1990.  Also, to add diversity to habitat and wildlife, 24 acres of native prairie grasses and forbs (flowering prairie plants) were added beginning in 2010.  Conservation practices and stewardship of past and present have earned local, state, and national recognition for the family tree farm.  Many events have been hosted on the farm throughout the years: weddings, educational field trips, Ohio Tree Farm and Farm Bureau tours, the Whistling Pines 112 mile solo/relay, and now we feel very privileged to add a Backyard Ultra to the list.

Hopefully you will make the decision to join us May 4-6, 2019 for our inaugural Backyard Ultra...we believe you will leave inspired by the venue and the people you meet.

Pictured above:  Bob Hunter on his "Man Tree" and an amazing shot of a stream through Hunter's Tree Farm

Bob's Big Timber Backyard Ultra Info

Date: May 4-6, 2019
Time: 6:30AM and every hour thereafter
Location: Hunter’s Tree Farm – Mitten Parcel, 11725 TR 252, Glenmont, Ohio 44628

The cap is 75 runners
The price is $95.00

Event Description

A backyard ultra is not an event format for the faint of heart, it's truly a tough guy/gal competition where only one person will emerge victorious.  With the urging of Gary Cantrell, aka Lazarus Lake, who started the original Big’s Backyard Ultra and the Barkley Marathons, more races with this format are being started. This is one of them.

In an effort to prepare our champion to succeed at Big’s Backyard Ultra, and to afford those already lucky enough to be registered for the marquee event an opportunity to hone their skills 5+ months prior to the event, Bob’s Big Timber Backyard Ultra will follow as closely to Laz’s original format as possible.

The concept is simple. It’s a “Last Person Standing Race” and in the end, just one runner will finish the race.

At 0630 hours on Saturday, May 4, we will start a race at Hunter’s Tree Farm – Mitten Parcel Trail for 4.1667 miles. The time limit for this race is one hour.

Again at 0730 hours, we will begin another race around the same 4.1667 mile trail.
The same will be done at 0830, 930, 1030, and so on, every hour.

-Runners must be standing in the starting corral when the next race starts or else they may not continue.
-Runners will also not continue if they choose to willingly pull themselves from the race. 
-No late starts once the bell is rung.
-Races will continue until only one runner remains, and at that point, once that person completes a loop on their own, that runner is the winner.
-All other runners are a DNF.

At 2030 hours, the races will be moved to a road out and back course past “Annie’s Place” and The Hunter Estate and continue in likewise fashion every hour thereafter through the dark hours.
At 0630 hours the next morning, races will be moved back to the trail loop.

At 3 minutes till each race 3 whistles will be blown.
At 2 minutes till each race 2 whistles will be blown.
At 1 minute till each race 1 whistle will be blown.
At 30 seconds till each race an announcement is made.
At 10 seconds till each race a countdown will begin.
A bell is rung once the race starts.

-Once the bell is rung, runners may not visit their crew, their tent, their vehicle or receive aid from anyone. 
-Runners must stay on the course once the bell is rung.
-The only reason for leaving the course once the bell is rung is to use the portable restroom.
-Once you finish your loop you may choose to do what you want, but must be back in the starting corral before the bell rings.

While there will be some very light aid station fair provided by the race management and sponsors, it would be wise if provide their own aid as only YOU know what you will want/need to fuel yourself for 24 hours, 48 hours, or possibly longer.
Crews are permitted, but limited to just 1 crew member per runner at all times, and crews are not needed. Crews may leave and come back if necessary.
There will be a space next to the start and finish line to set up a chair, cooler, and other small personal items.
A campground area will be close by where you may set up a tent.
Any runner that DNF’s must immediately vacate their spot close to the finish line to allow surviving runners to move closer. DNF runners are welcome to continue spectating, partying, and adding to the excitement of Bob’s Big Timber Backyard Ultra. 
Porta-potties will be located just after the start line.

A high quality race shirt will be provided to all entrants at check-in, a commemorative medal will be given to all runners once they are no longer in the competition, and a specially designed buckle will be awarded to ALL runners making it past the first 24 hours and thus covering 100 miles.
Some food items will be grilled throughout the event and Soup will be available for competitors after the course moves to the road on the first day. 
A bon-fire will be located at the Start/Finish and will burn for the duration of the event.
Alcohol is permitted.
Water is provided.
Coffee is provided.

This race is hosted by Bob & Karen Hunter and proceeds will be reinvested into the farm trails, property taxes, and the continued reforestation.

Prizes

The Last Person Standing will receive $2.00 per mile completed as a reward and we will cover the cost of the Golden Ticket Entry to Big’s Backyard Ultra on October 20 if you are fortunate enough to earn one.  The winner will also earn a weekend stay at Annie’s Place for themselves and guests at a later date.  Annie’s Place is a farmhouse located on Hunter’s Tree Farms featuring multiple bedrooms, hot tub, and access to all farm trails.

Timing & Tracking

Bob’s Big Timber Backyard Ultra will utilize Mylaps Prochip Runner Tracking which is the most accurate timing device on the market.  Runners will be given an anklet that holds a timing chip at check-in and will be required to wear the timing chip for the duration of the event.  A timing mat will be placed at the official start/finish line and you must cross that timing mat at the beginning and conclusion of each lap for your time to be official.  Lap times and live tracking will be available for all runners, spectators, and interested parties around the country and world to see.  Timing devices must be returned once you are no longer able to compete.

Affiliation with Big's Backyard Ultra

Bob’s Big Timber Backyard Ultra is considered a "Golden Ticket" Affiliate Race of Lazarus Lake's original Big’s Backyard Ultra. There are 10 international Backyard Ultras and 7 North American Backyard Ultras a part of this list of affiliations.

Laz is allowing 12 runners from these 17 affiliated backyard races to earn a "Golden Ticket" into his Big’s  Backyard Ultra.
-The 10 winners of the 10 international affiliate races receive an automatic "Golden Ticket."
-The top 2 runners (in distance) from the 7 North American affiliate races will receive a "Golden Ticket."

If one of the top two North American runners come from our Bob’s Big Timber Backyard Ultra, a Golden Ticket will be awarded and Bob's Big Timber Backyard Ultra will pay for your race entry into Laz's Big’s Backyard Ultra.

Refund Policy

Bob's Big Timber Backyard Ultra has a NO REFUND policy as we have many fixed costs, limited spaces, and race items will be ordered in advance.  Thank you for your understanding.

Thank You to our Sponsors:

Spring Energy - Spring Energy Gel and Hydration will be available at the aid station

Current Entrants:

Last updated 4/25/19 - 10:45 am