Back Cove Backyard Ultra
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About the race
Back Cove Backyard Ultra is a backyard ultra held at Back Cove Park in Portland, ME and organized by The Grind Run Company. The format requires participants to complete the same loop each hour; laps continue until a single runner remains.
Each loop is about 4.16 miles, composed of the 3.5 mile Back Cove Trail and a 0.60 mile add-on on the Bayside Trail at the start/finish area. The Back Cove Trail is described as mostly flat, non-technical, and gravel with a short paved bridge crossing. The route runs along the edge of a tidal estuary basin and offers views along most of the loop.
Two aid stations will be available. An unstaffed aid station in Payson Park will provide water, basic first aid supplies, and packaged snacks. A staffed aid station at the start/finish will provide water, electrolytes, packaged and prepared snacks, and basic first aid supplies. Event personnel will be present at the start/finish for the duration of the event; participants may leave drop bags or supplies there and can place a small tent or canopy adjacent to that area. Porta potties are located in Payson Park and at the start/finish. Parking is free in the public lot adjacent to the start/finish on a first come, first served basis.
This event is presented as a hyper-local race with relatively low entry cost, reliance on volunteer support, no general refunds except in extraordinary circumstances at the organizers discretion, and a pregnancy deferral policy for a subsequent year. Registration opens January 1, 2027. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
