About This Race
The Momentus BackYard Ultra brings the increasingly popular last-person-standing format to the scenic Williams Rushing Farm in Monroe, North Carolina. Owned by former NFL running back DeAngelo Williams and local celebrity Ris Williams, this farm setting provides a unique backdrop for one of endurance running's most mentally challenging formats. BackYard Ultras follow a simple but brutal structure: runners complete a 4.167-mile loop every hour on the hour until only one person remains. The challenge lies not in the terrain but in the relentless rhythm that allows no rest between loops. Each hour that passes adds another 4.167 miles to your total distance, creating a test of endurance, pacing, and mental fortitude. The 2026 edition offers runners the chance to experience this format in an intimate farm setting with a maximum field of 500 participants. The flat terrain eliminates elevation as a factor, making this purely about endurance and strategy. Whether you're curious about the BackYard Ultra concept or ready to push your limits, this race provides an accessible entry point into one of ultrarunning's most demanding formats.
The course consists entirely of paths through the Williams Rushing Farm property in Monroe, with zero elevation gain or loss according to race specifications. Each loop measures exactly 4.167 miles, designed to be completed within an hour to allow runners a brief rest before the next loop begins. The flat, farm-based terrain should provide consistent footing without technical challenges, making this race about endurance management rather than navigational or technical skills.
Notable Features
This BackYard Ultra takes place on property owned by former NFL star DeAngelo Williams, providing a unique celebrity connection to the challenging last-person-standing format. The flat, farm-based course removes elevation as a variable, making this purely a test of endurance pacing and mental strength as runners complete 4.167-mile loops every hour until only one person remains.