A first backyard ultra marathon brought Dave and Kim to the Taipei Backyard Ultra by Runivore, part of their build up to the Javelina Jundred in Arizona. This video covers the race and explains the addictive hourly loop format behind it.
Racing in Taipei
As preparation for the Javelina Jundred in Arizona at the end of October 2025, Dave and Kim lined up for their first ever backyard ultra, the Taipei Backyard Ultra organized by Runivore. Racing abroad doubles as travel, and Taiwan proved a memorable place to test the format.
What Is a Backyard Ultra
The format is a unique test of endurance: runners complete a loop of 4.167 miles, or 6.7 kilometers, every hour on the hour, designed so that 24 hours of loops totals exactly 100 miles. The race continues until only one runner remains who can finish a loop within the hour. The concept was popularized by Laz Lake, creator of the Barkley Marathons, with the first official event, Big's Backyard Ultra, held in Bell Buckle, Tennessee in 2012.
Why the Format Hooks People
Unlike traditional races, there is no fixed finish line, just the next loop. The hourly rhythm builds camaraderie, rewards pacing over speed, and welcomes everyone from beginners to seasoned ultrarunners. The video shares how the family's first attempt went, and why the backyard ultra has spread to events around the world.
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