Grassroots Backyard Ultra
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Grassroots Backyard Ultra : Okotoks, Alberta
The GrassRoots Backyard Ultra returns for its fifth edition on Saturday, June 27, 2026 in Okotoks, Alberta. The core format is Last Person Standing on a 6.71 km loop that must be completed each hour. The loop follows the Sheep River pathway, includes a short section of single-track dirt trail, and has 34 meters of ascent per lap. The course is on public pathways.
Key rules for the Backyard format and timed events:
• Runners must complete the 6.71 kilometre loop within one hour.
• A new lap begins at the top of each hour.
• Warning whistles sound 3, 2 and 1 minute before each lap start.
• All competitors must be moving at the bell; late starts are disqualifying.
• No aid is allowed on course from the moment the bell sounds.
• The last runner must complete one additional lap to be declared the winner; all others are recorded as DNF.
• Minimum age 16 years on race day.
Event distances:
- Backyard Ultra format: repeated 6.71 km loops each hour.
- Backyard15 BY15: 15 hours, 100.65 km.
- Backyard24 BY24: 24 hours, 100 miles.
Registration opens September 15, 2025 and closes May 31, 2026 or sooner if capacity is reached. The timed events BY15 and BY24 have limited capacity. There are no refunds. Registration transfers are allowed until June 1, 2026 with a 20 USD administration fee.
The Last Person Standing winner receives a trophy and 500 USD plus an additional 250 USD for a new course record. Okotoks is approximately 20 minutes south of Calgary and the course is located near local accommodation and a campground across the river. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
