Little Bitty Backyard
- Date
- June 12, 2027
- Location
- Emmaus, Pennsylvania
- Organized by
- The Running Kind
Distances and entry
- Little Bitty Backyard — $107.50
- Blackout · Nighttime 10K — $39.34
- Backyard Pacer — $11.65
- Best Day Beer Mile — Free
About Little Bitty Backyard
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 12th, 2027. 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 12th, 2027 — over 12 hours into Little Bitty Backyard.
One more add on to Little Bitty Backyard is our Best Day Beer Mile. The (NA) beer mile will be one Best Day Brew per quarter mile. True beer mile style.
Timeline- 6:00AM – Backyard bib pickup
- 7:00AM – Backyard begins
- 7:30PM – Blackout bib pickup
- 8:30PM – Blackout begins
- TBD – Best Day Beer Mile
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, 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.
TimingBlackout will be chip timed. Little Bitty Backyard will not have chip-timed loops — your time doesn't matter.
Zero CarbonThis 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.
Trail Mix FundIn 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.
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.
Sneaker DonationGently 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.
Get InvolvedVolunteer: 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, and post event (including start/finish line volunteers). Those that volunteer earn a future free race entry!
Partner: Are you a business owner or part of a team? We have opportunities for corporate partnership, discounts, and volunteering. Feel free to share sustainable brands you'd like to see at this event.