Last Woman Standing

You've heard of the Last Man Standing back yard ultra, right?  Well this one is for the ladies out there who like to run long and are ready to rule the course.  Following Big's Back Yard Ultra format, we'll run a 4.167 mile course starting every hour, on the hour.  A dinner bell at the homestead will ring the start of each lap, at which point you'll need to be in the corral and ready to run.  On the the first half of the course you'll enjoy very runnable forested trails, gentle ups and downs, a small stream crossing, and a traverse of an ancient glacial esker on the back of the property.  That's the easy part.  At about mile 2 you'll leave the dense forest and will run a grassy trail along the perimeter of a large field in which you'll face long, slow inclines and descents and, on a hot day, the wrath of the sun. Keep going long enough for nighttime to fall and you'll be rewarded with an opportunity to stargaze at the open sky and marvel at the beauty surrounding you. You'll re-enter the forest at about 3.5 miles, cutting around the edge of a former Christmas tree farm, and finishing back at the homestead with time to spare before the next lap (hopefully).  If you like the idea of sharing a day, or more, with strong women who know how to work together and give it their all, this race is for you.  We will celebrate big wins for ladies who achieve distances of 50K, 50 miles, 100K and 100 miles.  But ultimately, only one woman can win this race, by outlasting all the rest and becoming our Last WOMAN Standing!  

There will be a 3, 2 & 1 minute warning before each lap start, at which point all runners must be in the corral and ready to run.  

Race organizers will provide typical ultra fare of potato chips, pretzels, M&M's, soda, and of course water and energy drink at the start/finish area.  Ladies who run into the evening and beyond can look forward to extras like coffee & pizza, and some sweet treats.  

Participants can set up support tents with crew members in a large grassy yard at the start/finish line.  Be sure to have everything you need on hand, as per BYU association rules, runners must start each lap with everything they need to get through the 4.167 miles.  Assistive devices such as trekking poles are not permitted, and no food/fuel/aid is to be provided on the course or the runner faces elimination.  Runners are required to have headlamp with spare batteries after dusk.  

Once you've completed your journey, whenever that might be, dip your legs in a small pond on the property for the healing effect of the cool water, pull out your lawn chair, and cheer on the ladies who remain in competition!  

Ready to test your limits? The Last Woman Standing brings a highly anticipated Last Woman Standing Back Yard Ultra to Phoenix on September 5, 2026. Expect a fantastic route right in the heart of New York.