Back Cove Backyard Ultra
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Back Cove Backyard Ultra : Portland, ME
The Back Cove Backyard Ultra is a backyard ultra event held at Back Cove Park in Portland, ME and organized by The Grind Run Company. The format requires participants to run a standardized loop each hour and repeat the loop until only one runner remains.
Course details note the Back Cove Trail as a mostly flat, non-technical gravel loop of about 3.5 miles with a short paved bridge crossing. Each loop includes an additional 0.60 mile segment on the Bayside Trail at the start/finish to reach the standard backyard ultra distance of approximately 4.16 miles per loop. The trail runs along a tidal estuary basin and provides continuous views of the water.
There are two aid stations. An unstaffed station in Payson Park supplies water, basic first aid items, and packaged snacks. A fully staffed aid station at the start/finish offers water, electrolytes, packaged and prepared snacks, and basic first aid. Event personnel remain at the start/finish during the event; participants may leave drop bags or small gear there and may place a small tent or canopy adjacent to the area. Porta potties are available in Payson Park and at the start/finish. Parking is free in the public lot adjacent to the start/finish on a first come, first served basis.
The event is described as locally focused with modest entry fees and minimal swag. Refunds are not issued except for extraordinary circumstances at the organizers discretion; a pregnancy deferral is offered for use in a subsequent year. Volunteers are relied upon to support the event. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
