Elm Creek Backyard Ultra
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Elm Creek Backyard Ultra : Maple Grove, MN
The Elm Creek Backyard Ultra is a looped endurance race held in Maple Grove, Minnesota. The event follows a backyard ultra format: runners complete a 4.167 mile loop every hour, starting each loop at the top of the hour, and continue until only one runner completes a loop alone. The race records total distance for all participants.
The course is in Elm Creek Park Reserve, beginning and ending at the Bluebird Picnic area. It runs along the lake trail and around Mud Lake, with about 296 feet of elevation gain and loss. The direction of the loop will rotate between clockwise and counterclockwise every few hours.
On-course rules limit assistance while a loop is in progress. No pacing or aid may be provided to runners on course; crews and personal support are permitted only between loops. Runners must be in the starting corral when a new loop begins; late starts are not allowed. Whistle signals occur at three, two, and one minute before each loop, and a bell signals the start. The only permitted reason to leave the course after the bell is to use a porta-potty. Crews may set up near the start and finish or in a designated picnic area 50 to 100 yards away; overnight gate access may prevent crews from returning until dawn.
The event anticipates a capacity of 210 runners and may operate a waitlist with a capacity of 75. The 2027 edition is a Bronze Ticket qualifier for the Big's Backyard Team Championships in fall 2028. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
