Utopia Backyard Ultra

Event

Utopia Backyard Ultra 2026 takes place June 27-28, 2026. The event uses the backyard ultra format: one lap starts every hour and laps continue until only one finisher remains. Race options listed for 2026 include a backyard open-ended race, a 100 mile solo, a 100 mile relay (teams up to 6), a 12 hour race, and a 6 hour race. Some entry categories include start/finish line camping, aid station snacks, a bamboo t-shirt and a finisher medal. Runners who complete 24 continuous hours/100 miles receive a belt buckle. Runners who reach 100k receive a unique challenge coin.

• 4 miles 880 feet
• 6.7056 km (loop length)
• 100 miles (solo or relay)
• 12 hour
• 6 hour

Early registration pricing is in effect until March 1, 2026; regular registration ends June 20, 2026. Transfers to another racer are permitted up to the day before race day. Deferrals and refunds are not offered.

Course and rules

The event is at Tiffin Centre for Conservation, 8195 8th Line, Utopia. The course is a no-repeat loop on mostly crushed gravel maintained trails, with a 2 km section of sandier, woody trail on the back quarter. Elevation is no more than 45 m per loop. The course will be marked with arrows, flags and reflective markers.

Key rules: the loop must measure 4 miles 880 feet (6.7056 km); each loop starts precisely one hour after the last; competitors must be in the starting corral at the bell and must start at the bell; each loop must be completed within the hour to count. No personal aid is allowed during a loop (common aid stations are allowed), no non-competitors on course, and no artificial aids including trekking poles. The winner is the last person to complete a loop. Relay teams consist of 2-6 runners, each runner must complete at least one loop, only one team member may be on course at a time, and teams have 30 hours to complete the full 100 miles. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

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