Is it presumptive to include a first-year event on this list? Maybe a little, but there's precedent. The Queeny Backyard Ultra is an affiliate of the Backyard Ultra Series, which numbers 142 races in 43 countries. The concept is popular, the potential limitless. Held at scenic Queeny Park in west St. Louis County, the distinctive format of the race unfolds like this: All the competitors start together at noon on Friday and run one loop of the 4.2-mile paved/ crushed gravel course. They do it again an hour later, and the next hour, and the next. The race ends when just one runner remains after finishing a loop. Even though the rolling hills peppering the route amount to only 415 feet of elevation gain per lap, the cumulative exertion and diabolical "no finish line" model of the Queeny Backyard Ultra punish participants physically and mentally. "The temptation to quit loop after loop is hard to surpass. Digging deep and redefining your boundaries is what this race is all about," said Shalini Kovach, founder of Terrain Trail Runners and director of the event. Between loops, the racers have time to eat, sleep, recover, and mingle. Queeny has a large, grass field where participants can set up personal aid stations, as well as an onsite restroom and convenient road access for volunteers, support staff, and spectators. "Residents from nearby homes came out to clang cowbells and encourage the runners. It was a great, easygoing vibe," said Kovach. "Now that everyone has seen what Queeny has to offer, I expect next year we'll see more of a festival-like environment, where whole families come to cook out and cheer on their runner." In 2021, the Queeny Backyard Ultra drew 60 athletes and 180 crew and spectators. Angela McKnight earned top female honors with 14 laps/58.8 miles. Tim Barbee was the top male and overall finisher with 25 laps/105 miles. "At other Backyard Ultras, people are extending their runs to 40-plus hours," said Kovach. "The potential exists for someone to hit 150 or 170 miles. I think the best is yet to come for this event."

queeny backyard ultra

st. louis, mo. march 5-7, 2021

Photos by Marcus Janzow.