The Last Cowboy Backyard 2026

The Last Cowboy Backyard is a backyard ultra held in O'Neill, Nebraska. Runners complete a consistent crushed-gravel loop, following the backyard format: a new yard begins each hour, and the race continues until only one runner remains to start the next hour. The venue is situated at 607 metres elevation, with the loop featuring minimal elevation change, only 5 metres of climbing per circuit. As a Bronze Ticket race, the winner secures a spot in a Silver Ticket event. This event has a modest history in the records, with one edition documented and 36 participants recorded. The furthest distance achieved is 39 yards, set by Daniel Gibson, who also serves as the Yardmaster. Tasha Forsyth holds the women's record at 18 yards. The course's surface and minimal elevation suggest a race focused on rhythm: low climbing, repetitive gravel, and the mental challenge of hourly restarts.