Levi Yoder returns to Big’s for a fourth time, and once again, he went farther than he had before. He completed 86 yards, more than 358 miles, helping Team USA put together another incredible team performance.

But when Levi looks back on this year’s race, the distance isn't what stands out most. It's the friendships, the shared struggles, and the experience of discovering just how powerful it can be to run for something bigger than yourself.

From helping teammates fight through sleep deprivation to being carried through his final loop by John and Greg, Levi shares why this race reminded him what he loves about backyard ultras, and why the bonds formed out on the course meant more than the miles.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Levi’s fourth World Team Championships and his 86-yard performance
• Why his training looked different this year and how he went farther despite doing less
• Managing early muscle tightness, chilly nights, and hot afternoon temperatures
• Getting more sleep than most runners during the first night
• The mental low points that came with running for days and how the team helped him push through
• Sleep deprivation, hallucinations, and the unforgettable moment Levi accidentally asked Jon Noll to “tuck him in”
• Running alongside teammates like Mark and Nick to help everyone make it back in time
• How John and Greg helped Levi through his final yard by giving him one simple job: follow Jon’s shoes
• Why Levi let his crew take charge of his food choices and how it helped him avoid stomach issues
• His experience with caffeine, mental fog, and the questions he’s taking into future races
• Why the friendships and shared experiences mattered more than his final yard count
• How the rising at-large qualifying standard could shape future World Championship teams
• What Levi hopes to carry into future backyard ultras: helping others, building friendships, and giving back to the sport

Levi also reflects on the special bond among Team USA athletes, from reconnecting with returning teammates to building new friendships with runners he had only recently met. His biggest takeaway is a reminder of what makes backyard ultras so unique: you might be racing as an individual, but you don't have to face the hard hours alone.

Connect with Levi:

• Instagram: @way_co_ultra_runner
• Facebook: Levi Yoder
• Strava: Levi Yoder

🎙️ After the Last Yard continues with more stories from Team USA and the 2026 Backyard Ultra Team World Championships.

👉 Don’t miss the next yard. Hit Follow on The One More Hour Podcast: An Insider’s Guide to Backyard Ultras, Timed Races, and the Ultrarunning Mindset.

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