LATR Backyard Ultra
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Event overview
The LATR Backyard Ultra is held at Lake Ahquabi in Indianola, IA, with the start and finish at the beach shelter house. The event uses a repeating lap format in which runners complete 4.167 miles each hour. There is no overall race cap or fixed finish mileage; the race continues until one runner completes one more lap than any other.
Course and rules
The loop follows the Lake Trail counter clockwise around the lake. The trail surface is mostly dirt with some gravel and includes roots, rocks, and uneven areas. Runners must return to the starting corral at the top of the hour and complete each lap within 60 minutes. Warnings are given at 3, 2, and 1 minutes before the hour. Runners may not leave the course during a lap except to use restrooms. No pacers, personal aids such as trekking poles, or crew on the course are allowed. The winner is the last person to complete a lap one more time than any other participant; all other participants receive a distance recorded as laps completed.
Logistics
Aid is available at the starting corral and at a midway aid station; several bathrooms are located along the course and at the shelter house. Runners who continue into overnight hours must carry a headlamp; additional lighting will be added to the course. Crews may set up around the beach shelter, must park in adjacent lots, and are asked to remove all trash and avoid loud music. Registration details note a t-shirt add-on option and that there are no refunds or transfers. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
