Back Cove Backyard Ultra
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Back Cove Backyard Ultra
Back Cove Backyard Ultra is scheduled for July 10, 2027 in Portland, Maine and is organized by The Grind Run Company. The event uses the Back Cove Trail and Back Cove Park and follows the backyard ultra format in which participants repeat the same loop each hour until a single runner remains.
The course runs primarily on the Back Cove Trail, described as a 3.5 mile non-technical, mostly flat gravel loop with a short paved bridge crossing and tidal estuary views. A 0.60 mile add-on on the Bayside Trail at the start/finish produces the standard loop length of about 4.16 miles per circuit. Parking is free in the public lot adjacent to the start/finish on a first-come, first-served basis.
Two aid stations are provided: one unstaffed station in Payson Park with water, basic first aid supplies, and packaged snacks, and a staffed station at the start/finish offering water, electrolytes, packaged and prepared snacks, and basic first aid. Event personnel remain at the start/finish for the event duration; participants may leave drop bags or supplies there and there is space for a small tent or canopy adjacent to that area. Porta potties are located in Payson Park and at the start/finish.
The event is described as hyper-local with a relatively low entry price, volunteer support, and minimal swag. Refunds are not issued except for extraordinary circumstances at the organizers' discretion, and a pregnancy deferral is offered to be used in a subsequent year. Volunteers support event operations. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
