Backyard Ultra Glossary: Key Terminology & Lingo Explained

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Decoding the Loop Lingo: Your Essential Backyard Ultra Glossary

Stepping into the world of the Backyard Ultra (BYU), whether as a runner, crew member, or enthusiastic spectator following online updates, you’ll quickly encounter a unique vocabulary. Terms like “yard,” “assist,” “corral,” and the infamous “DNF” have specific meanings within this Last Person Standing race, format. Understanding this lingo is key to fully grasping the nuances of the race, following discussions in the Backyard ultra community,, and comprehending the Official backyard ultra rules,.

This glossary serves as your guide to the essential Key terminology backyard ultras glossary,. We’ll define the core terms you need to know, helping you navigate race reports, online forums, and conversations about this captivating endurance challenge, masterminded by Lazarus Lake,. Refer back to our main Backyard ultra format explained, pillar for the broader context.

Essential Backyard Ultra Terms Defined:

  • Aid Station: While traditional ultras have multiple aid stations along the course, in a BYU, this typically refers to the central start/finish area where runners set up their personal supplies and where crews operate between loops. Race-provided aid is usually minimal (often just water).
  • Assist (The Assist): The runner who is the second-to-last person eliminated from the race. Their DNF (Did Not Finish) allows the final remaining runner (the potential winner) the opportunity to complete one final solo loop to secure victory. Being “The Assist” in a major event like Big’s Backyard Ultra, carries significant prestige.
  • Backyard / BYU: Common abbreviations for Backyard Ultra.
  • Bell / Signal: The audible signal (traditionally a bell at Big’s, but can be a horn, whistle, or other sound) given precisely on the hour to signify the start of the next loop. Warning signals (e.g., 3, 2, 1 minute before) are usually given as well.
  • Big’s / Big’s Backyard Ultra: The original Backyard Ultra event founded by Lazarus Lake on his property in Tennessee. It serves as the de facto World Championship of the format.
  • Bronze Ticket / Silver Ticket / Golden Ticket: Designations for official affiliated BYU races that are part of the qualification system for Big’s Backyard Ultra. Winning a Bronze Ticket race, might grant entry to a Silver Ticket race or place a runner on an At-Large list. Winning a Silver Ticket race, grants a Golden Ticket, – direct entry into Big’s. (See our Finding backyard ultra races, guide for more detail).
  • Corral (Starting Corral): The designated, clearly marked area near the start/finish line where runners must be physically present when the final bell/signal sounds to begin the next loop. Failure to be in the corral on time results in disqualification (DNS) for that loop.
  • Crew / Crewing: The support team assisting a runner between loops. Crew backyard ultra, duties include providing food, hydration, gear changes, medical aid, timing, and crucial morale support. The act of providing support is “crewing.” Crews are not allowed to provide aid on the course during a loop.
  • DNF (Did Not Finish): The official result given to every participant except the single winner who successfully completes the final solo loop. Unlike traditional races, in BYU, DNF does not necessarily imply failure but simply means the runner did not outlast all others. See our detailed Backyard ultra DNF explained, article.
  • DNS (Did Not Start): Specifically refers to a runner failing to be in the starting corral at the signal for the beginning of a loop, resulting in their elimination. Can also refer to someone registered who doesn’t start the race at all.
  • Lap / Loop: Used interchangeably with “Yard” to refer to one circuit of the course. See Loop completion,.
  • Last Person Standing (LPS): The core concept of the race format and the title given to the eventual winner – the final runner capable of completing loops according to the rules.
  • Laz / Lazarus Lake: The widely used nickname for Gary Cantrell, the founder of the Backyard Ultra format and the Barkley Marathons.
  • Sleep Monsters: A common term for the hallucinations (visual or auditory) often experienced by runners due to extreme fatigue and sleep deprivation during multi-day BYUs.
  • Tapping Out: A colloquial term for voluntarily quitting the race. A runner decides they cannot or do not wish to continue and informs race officials.
  • Timed Out: Being eliminated from the race for failing to complete a loop within the official 60-minute time limit.
  • Winner: The sole participant who successfully completes one loop alone after all other competitors have received a DNF (either by timing out, DNS, or tapping out). See Winner determination,.
  • Yard: The fundamental unit of the Backyard Ultra course – one complete loop measuring exactly 4.167 miles / 6.706 km,. Understanding What does yard mean backyard ultra context, is key to understanding the race structure.

Conclusion: Speaking the Language of the Loop

Understanding this Key terminology backyard ultras glossary, is essential for engaging with the unique world of the Backyard Ultra. Whether discussing Official backyard ultra rules,, reading Backyard ultra race reports,, or following the drama of Big’s Backyard Ultra,, knowing the lingo – from the meaning of a Yard, and the function of the Starting corral, to the nuances of the Backyard ultra DNF explained, rule and the role of The Assist, – allows for a much richer appreciation of this demanding and captivating sport pioneered by Lazarus Lake,. Keep this glossary handy as you explore more about BYU strategy, training, and the incredible stories from the Backyard ultra community,.

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