LATR Backyard Ultra
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Race Format
This is a backyard ultra event. Participants must complete one lap of 4.167 miles every hour. The race begins at the top of each hour, and runners must be back in the starting corral within 60 minutes or they are disqualified. There is no race cap or predetermined end time. The winner is the last person to complete a lap.
The Course
The event takes place at Lake Ahquabi State Park in Indianola, Iowa. The course starts and finishes at the beach shelter house. Runners follow the Lake Trail counter-clockwise around the lake. The trail surface is mostly dirt with some gravel, featuring roots, rocks, and uneven surfaces. Runners are under tree cover with views of the lake. An aid station with water, Tailwind, and snacks is located at the start and near the mid-point of the loop. Multiple bathrooms are available along the course.
Logistics
Packet pickup is available the day before the race at Lake Ahquabi State Park and on race day at the beach shelter house starting at 6:00 AM. A mandatory pre-race meeting is at 6:40 AM on race day. The crew area is at the beach shelter, where tents or canopies are allowed. Parking is in adjacent lots. Participants running into the overnight hours must carry a headlamp, and additional course lighting will be provided.
Registration
Registration is tiered, with price increases on April 1 and September 1. A t-shirt add-on is available for those who register before September 1. There are no refunds or transfers. The 2026 race is a bronze event under a Big's Backyard Ultra affiliation, and the winner receives a bronze coin, a medal, and a prize package. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
