Old Tom Backyard
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Old Tom Backyard - Last Runner Standing in Blumenort, Manitoba
Old Tom Backyard takes place on an active family farm near Blumenort, MB, about 25 minutes southeast of Winnipeg. The race corral and staging areas are under an open-sided pole shed with room for crew and spectators; personal tents may be set up outside. Certain farm areas are off limits for biosecurity and pets are not allowed.
The event uses a Last Runner Standing format with two loop types. The day loop is winding treed singletrack and grass pasture trails. The night loop is an out-and-back along local gravel roads. Maps are available.
The 2026 event is capped at 75 runners. Participants must be 18 years of age or older on race day. Registration by April 30 is required to be guaranteed a t-shirt.
Key rules and logistics: each lap must be finished within one hour; the next lap starts on the hour and is signaled by a bell, and runners must be in the starting corral at that signal. No support, gear, food, or liquids may be given or taken during a loop except a quick verbal encouragement. No pacing or artificial aids including poles are allowed. This is primarily a self-supported event: organizers provide water, ice and a few snacks, but runners must supply their own food. No littering; no open fires in the support area; obey race officials. Failure to follow rules will result in a DNF.
Prizing: the Last Runner Standing receives a Silver Ticket toward the 2026 Team World Championships. A new course record (currently 35 yards) carries a 1000 USD prize. If the last Canadian runner improves the Canadian home soil record (currently 68 yards) there is a 10 000 USD prize. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
