LATR Backyard Ultra
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Event overview
The LATR Backyard Ultra takes place at Lake Ahquabi State Park in Indianola, IA on September 26, 2026. The race begins and ends at the beach shelter house at the park entrance (16510 118th Ave.). Registration opens January 1, 2026.
Distances
- 4.167 miles per lap
- 100 miles equals 24 laps
Format and rules
Runners complete one lap every hour. Participants must return to the starting corral at the top of each hour to begin the next lap; failure to do so results in disqualification. Laps must be completed within 60 minutes. Three, two, and one minute warnings are given before the hour. Runners may leave the course only to use restrooms while on a lap. Spectators, crew, eliminated runners, and pacers are not allowed on the course. Personal aids such as trekking poles are not permitted while running. After completing a lap runners may receive aid from their crew during the break between laps. There is no preset race cap or maximum distance. The winner is the last person to complete a lap, finishing one more lap than anyone else; other participants receive results as distance covered or laps completed.
Course, logistics and other information
The loop follows the Lake Trail counter clockwise around Lake Ahquabi. Trail surfaces are mostly dirt with some gravel and include roots, rocks, and uneven sections under mature timber with lake views. Nighttime runners must carry a headlamp; additional course lighting will be provided for overnight hours. Water, Tailwind, and snacks are available at the start corral and at a midway aid station. Packet pick up is available the evening before and on race day at the beach shelter house; a mandatory pre-race meeting is held before the race. Crew areas are near the beach shelter with limited electricity, parking in adjacent lots, restrooms on site, and rules on noise, pets, and cleanup. Camp sites can be reserved through the Iowa DNR; hotels are available in Indianola. Three registration pricing tiers apply, with price increases on April 1 and September 1. A t-shirt add-on is available for $25 before the September price increase. No refunds or transfers. The winner will receive a medal and prize package. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
