08/06/2026
For the farmyard Jam ultra, your pit is essentially your mobile aid station, recovery room, gear locker, and decision-making center. The goal is to minimize time between laps and solve problems before they become race-ending issues.
Shelter & Comfort
* Pop-up canopy or tent
* Comfortable chair
* Small table
* Ground tarp or mat
* Blankets
* Extra layers for changing temperatures
* Rain gear
* Headlamp and spare headlamp
* Lantern or camp light for nighttime
* Portable battery packs
Nutrition
Bring far more variety than you think you’ll need.
Quick carbohydrates
* Bananas
* Oranges
* Watermelon
* Rice balls
* Pretzels
* Crackers
* White bread sandwiches
* Cookies
* Gummies
Substantial foods
* Mashed potatoes
* Noodles
* Soup
* Quesadillas
* Grilled cheese
* Wraps
* Oatmeal
* Rice
Late-race comfort foods
* Broth
* Instant noodles
* Tea
* Cola
* Coffee (if you use caffeine)
Hydration & Electrolytes
* Water
* Electrolyte drink mix
* Salt capsules (if you normally use them)
* Separate bottles for different drink strengths
* Measuring scoop for powders
* Ice for hot weather
Clothing
You want complete redundancy.
* Multiple pairs of shoes
* Several pairs of socks
* Shorts and tights options
* Technical shirts
* Warm layers
* Waterproof jacket
* Hat and spare hat
* Gloves
* Buff or neck gaiter
Foot Care
Foot issues end many backyard ultras.
* Lubricant
* Anti-chafe cream
* Foot powder
* Blister tape
* Leukotape
* Bandages
* Small scissors
* Wet wipes
* Spare insoles
Medical & Recovery
* Sunscreen
* Lip balm
* Pain-relief cream if you use it
* Basic first aid kit
* Anti-nausea medication (if you normally take it)
* Antacids
* Tissues
* Hand sanitizer
Hot Weather Extras
* Ice towels
* Spray bottle
* Cooling sleeves
* Ice chest
Cold Weather Extras
* Thermal layers
* Dry gloves
* Beanie
* Hand warmers
* Hot drinks
Pit Organization
Use bins labeled:
1. Food
2. Drinks
3. Clothing
4. Foot care
5. Medical
6. Night gear
When you’re exhausted at 3 a.m., organization matters more than you expect.
If You Have a Crew
Have a checklist for every lap:
* Refill bottles?
* Eat something?
* Electrolytes?
* Change socks?
* Weather change?
* Headlamp battery check?
* Any hot spots or chafing?
The Biggest Mistake
Many runners overpack gear and underpack easy-to-eat food. After 12–24 hours, your stomach may reject the sports nutrition that worked in training. Having a wide selection of simple, familiar foods often keeps runners going much longer
