Inaugural Miami Backyard Ultra Coming to Virginia Key this December
Miami's running community is getting a new endurance challenge. The inaugural Miami Backyard Ultra will take place on Saturday, Dec. 19, 2026, at 8 a.m. at the Miami Marine Stadium & Basin Trail on Virginia Key. Organized by Life Time Miami Marathon co-founder Frankie Ruiz, Carlos Osorio, and Breakwater Hospitality Group, the event brings the unique "last-runner-standing" format to the city for the first time.
Unlike a traditional race, a backyard ultra has no set distance or finishing time. Runners must complete a 4.167-mile loop—known as a "yard"—starting at the top of every hour. Participants use any remaining time within that hour to eat, rest, and prepare for the next start. The race continues indefinitely until a single runner completes one more yard than every other competitor, claiming the victory.
The course follows the waterfront pavement and Basin Trail alongside the historic Miami Marine Stadium, which was designed by Cuban-American architect Hilario Candela and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2018. The event welcomes all levels of runners, and participants can compete solo or as part of an optional duo or team of four. No previous ultramarathon experience is required.
Registration is now open at MiamiBackyardUltra.com.