The Paraguayan department of Paraguarí, about 66 kilometres from Asunción, is preparing to host a major sports challenge in 2026. The Eco’i Backyard Ultra amongst the hills of Paraguarí is an extreme endurance race that tests the body, mind, and spirit of its athletes. Recently, the National Secretariat of Tourism (Senatur) has declared the sporting event to be of National Tourist Interest.
The competition will take place on 28 February 2026, starting at 18:00 in María Selva, under the imposing presence of the Hũ and Santo Tomás hills. The setting will create a nocturnal race with no predictable end. “Everything starts at that time, and you do not know when it will end,” explained race coordinator Patricia Ascarza.
A ruthless challenge
Backyard Ultra is a type of marathon created by Lazarus Lake, founder of the legendary Barkley Marathon. The race is based on a premise as simple as it is ruthless: repeatedly run a complete circuit every hour until only one runner is left. The winner is not the fastest. But the one who is able to persist physically and mentally the longest, facing fatigue, darkness, and uncertainty.
The 2026 edition includes several formats that take into consideration different levels of endurance. Options are: two, four, and eight rounds. As well as unlimited rounds for those who want to surpass every limit known to them. Due to the competition taking place at night, every participant in every category must have a headlamp. As the paths completely change in the dark, intensifying the sensory experience and the race’s demand on the athletes. Additionally, trail categories will be available for those who are looking for an intense challenge without the unpredictability of a never-ending Ultra.
A race like no other
The organisation highlights that this edition of Backyard Ultra will be unlike any other in the national circuit. “When night falls on María Selva, we want competitors to feel like they are going into another universe. This challenge is not only physical; it is emotional, mental, and deeply personal,” states Ascarza.
The coordinator also emphasises the symbolic value of natural surroundings: “The immensity of the Hũ and Santo Tomás hills will be there with every step and every turn taken. These hills are witnesses to a trial designed for those who are looking to start 2026 with a life-impacting objective.” Likewise, she emphasises the strong community spirit that characterises this kind of competition: “No one runs alone here. Although the race might be infinite, every move is accompanied by a community that upholds, shares, and celebrates the efforts of every participant.”
Backyard Ultra amongst the hills of Paraguarí
Backyard Ultras have already left their mark in Paraguay. Two consecutive editions of the race that brought together a community of athletes who bravely chose to face a challenge. In each of them, every turn taken is a decision made, and every start is an act of willpower.
Previously, Paraguayan athlete Brian Pasmor left a mark on Backyard Ultras. He has competed in five of these endless marathons throughout the years. The most recent competition Pasmor participated in was the International Backyard Ultra in Tennessee, US. There, not only did he represent himself as an athlete, but also represented his home country, Paraguay.
Open registration for Backyard Ultra
Registration for this year’s Backyard Ultra is available through ServiCronos, with limited-time promotional prices, to whoever would like to participate in this nocturnal edition. To those who have not yet set their goals for 2026: Paraguarí’s Backyard Ultra is a unique opportunity to race under the stars, in a monumental environment, with the chance of running until wherever your heart and mind take you.
