Inaugural Backyard Ultra · Mineral Wells, Texas
Every hour, on the hour. 4.167 miles. No mercy. The format is ancient. The terrain is West Texas. The question is whether you break before everyone else does.
The Format
Every hour, on the hour, all remaining runners start a 4.167-mile loop. The trail is marked. The route doesn't change. Night doesn't change it either.
Finish in under 60 minutes and you bank the remainder as rest. Use it. You'll need to. Loop pace is your decision — until it isn't anymore.
Miss the start line when the next bell sounds and you're out. No appeals. No second chances. The field shrinks with every bell that rings.
One runner survives. That person must complete one final loop — alone — to be declared the Last One Standing. Everyone else receives a DNF.
Cash-Back Payout Structure
This isn't a participation trophy circuit. But it's also not winner-take-all. Every additional loop you complete earns back a portion of your entry. Go further, recoup more. The Last One Standing wins it all.
Influencer Challenge Program
Got an audience? Use it. Influencers who publicly promote The Backyard of Crazy earn a 2-for-1 entry — and the right to name a challenger to race against them head-to-head on the course.
Post about The Backyard of Crazy on your public social platform. Tag us. Drive it. Make it real.
Submit your Golden Ticket request with proof of post. Your 2-for-1 entry is confirmed — one spot for you, one for your challenger.
Name your challenger publicly. They must publicly agree for the second entry to be registered in their name. No public agreement, no entry.
Show up. Run. Your challenger shows up or they don't — either way, you're in the field and eligible for the remaining purse.
Include your social post link and your challenger's name. We'll handle the rest.
Event Operations
The historic City Gym at Fort Wolters is your central command. A Texas landmark with real floors, real walls, and real indoor air — you'll appreciate it at 3am in loop 9.
Indoor climate-controlled recovery space for runners and crew. September in West Texas doesn't forgive — we planned for that.
Full-access showers, accessible restrooms, and professional sanitation crews on-site throughout the event. No porta-potty-only race energy here.
Dedicated canopy zones adjacent to the facility for each runner's support crew. Set up your recovery station, your fuel grid, your pacer tent.
Dedicated event security throughout the duration. You focus on running. We handle everything else.
A designated first aid station is available at basecamp. All runners participate at their own risk and are encouraged to carry personal insurance. Know your body — this race doesn't go easy on anyone.
Getting There
📍 Fort Wolters City Gym · Mineral Wells, TX 76067
Fort Wolters City Gym Hub, Mineral Wells, TX 76067. Historic military installation turned community anchor — fitting setting for a war of attrition.
~90 minutes west of Dallas/Fort Worth. DFW International is your closest major airport. Direct drive via US-180 W.
Multiple hotels and motels in Mineral Wells proper. Contact the Chamber of Commerce for event weekend accommodation recommendations.
Partnership Opportunities
This is the inaugural event. The brands that show up now are the ones on the banner in year five when this thing is a West Texas institution. Four partnership tiers available — from title presenting sponsor to in-kind aid station partner.
Proudly supported by the Mineral Wells Area Chamber of Commerce
Volunteer
Multiple shifts available across the full weekend — aid station, course safety, timing, media, and more. Free shirt, meals, and front-row access to something historic.
Secure Your Entry
When it fills, it fills. No waitlist for the inaugural race.
Questions? Email us at azimuthrunning@gmail.com and we'll get back within 24 hours.