Elm Creek Backyard Ultra
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Elm Creek Backyard Ultra : Maple Grove, MN
The Elm Creek Backyard Ultra is a multi-day backyard-style ultramarathon held at Elm Creek Park Reserve in Maple Grove, Minnesota. The format requires each participant to complete a single 4.167 mile loop every hour; runners continue as long as they can and the last runner to complete a loop on their own is declared the winner.
The course starts and finishes at the Bluebird Picnic area and follows the south side of the park along the lake trail and around Mud Lake. The loop has approximately 296 feet of elevation gain and loss and alternates between clockwise and counterclockwise directions every few hours. There is a designated picnic area about 50 to 100 yards from the start/finish where runners may set up tents; a small area next to the start/finish is available for a chair, cooler, and other small items.
Race procedures follow Backyard Ultra guidance: each loop must be started at the top of the hour; a bell signals the start and whistle counts are used in the final minutes before each loop. Once the bell rings, runners must stay on course and may not receive aid until they return to the start/finish area. Crews are permitted but access may be limited overnight when park gates are locked. If the event reaches capacity, a waitlist will be used. Registration opened September 1, 2025 and an athlete guide is forthcoming. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
