What a fantastic performance from everyone yesterday! It is incredibly rewarding to put this race together and have a venue for each and every one of you to challenge yourselves.
With a total of 56 people signed up, there were 22 High School Division runners and 34 Open Division runners.
Results of the 2026 Natural State Backyard Ultra Marathon!
The results of this year’s race are extraordinary (see below).
- Total amount raised for Arkansas Children’s Hospital: $11,857
- Proceeds donated: $3,612
- Additional donations: $8,245
I can’t express how proud I am of these numbers. Each number, decimal, and comma represents grit, vision, and inarguable generosity. Thank you so much to everyone who donated an extra amount of any kind!
Who were the winners of the Natural State Back Yard Ultra?
Now, you might be asking, who won? There were four winners in total.
- High School Men’s Champion: Ben Blackmon (12 loops)
- High School Women’s Champion: Olivia Armitage (5 loops)
- Open Division Men’s Champion: Steven Unger (12 loops)
- Open Division Women’s Champion: Emma Bles (8 loops)
- Overall Champion: No winner (tie)
The Open Division Men’s Champion was Steven Unger. Now, for the grand finale, who was the overall champion for the Natural State Backyard Ultramarathon?
No one… sort of. Steve and I tied, both completing 12 loops for a total of 50 miles. Since we tied, there’s no winner.
Where do the proceeds of the Natural State Backyard Ultra go?
Last year, we put the money toward Child Life, which funds education, enrichment, and celebrations for long-term patients. This year, we plan to direct the money there again. All of you are a part of that now!
I’m going to ice my legs and sleep for the rest of the weekend, because running 50 miles got me really tired.
Director – Ben Blackmon