Old Tom Backyard
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Old Tom Backyard : Manitoba backyard ultra event
Old Tom Backyard is a backyard ultra held on farm trails in Manitoba. The event uses a tent base camp and marked loops on private property. The 2025 edition reached its field limit of 75 entrants and included on-site race support such as an aid station, first aid providers, emergency ATVs, free base-camp Wi-Fi, and a tent village. The 2026 Silver Ticket Old Tom Backyard is scheduled for July 4, 2026.
Race format, results and prizes
The race follows the Backyard Ultra format: runners must complete a lap of 4.167 miles (6.71 km) within one hour. A new lap begins every hour until only one runner remains. The last person standing is the winner; all other entrants receive a DNF. Event postings from 2025 note finish totals including runners who completed 35 laps (35 hours), about 40 runners who reached 50 miles, and multiple runners who exceeded 100 miles / 24 hours.
The event is classified as a Bronze Ticket Backyard. Prizing information includes a bronze coin that guarantees the winner a place in the closest 2026 Silver Ticket event, prize money for set records (for example, $500 for a new course record and an additional $500 for beating the race director’s target), and a custom champion belt buckle. Race-day amenities mentioned include hourly live results, post-loop food items supplied at intervals, and on-course lighting for night loops. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.