Grand Valley Backyard
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Grand Valley Backyard - October 3, 2026
The Grand Valley Backyard is an inaugural Backyard ultra event held near Loma, Colorado in the Grand Valley. The format follows the traditional Backyard model: runners complete a fixed loop of 4.17 miles each hour, all runners start each loop together, and the event continues until only one runner remains.
The course is mostly single track with occasional double track and contains no pavement. Each loop includes about 500 feet of elevation gain, with most climbing in the first half. Organizers describe the route as runnable and non-technical. A large staging area is provided near the start/finish and surrounding campgrounds.
Awards are given for distance achieved; distance-specific finishers buckles will be awarded for all distances reached. Acrylic awards will be presented to the last male and last female standing, and a Sheridan buckle will be awarded to the overall last person standing. Official results will record each participant's distance achieved rather than a DNF unless a runner fails to complete a loop.
Support includes water and a provided endurance fuel product. Runners should bring their own food if required. Crews are allowed and are suggested; crew size should be limited to three people or fewer and each crew may use a 10x10 pop-up that must be staked or weighted. No dogs are allowed in the crew area or on course. No electricity is available for runners and gas generators are not permitted in crew spaces.
This event has a deferral and withdrawal credit policy with decreasing credit amounts based on how many days before the race the cancellation is made. No refunds and no bib transfers are allowed. A runner manual and further event details will be provided before the race. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
