Elm Creek Backyard Ultra
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Elm Creek Backyard Ultra
The Elm Creek Backyard Ultra is a backyard-format race held in Maple Grove, MN at Elm Creek Park Reserve on April 23, 2027. The event uses a repeating loop format in which runners complete a 4.167 mile loop every hour and continue as long as they can. The last runner to complete a loop alone is the winner.
The loop starts and finishes at the Bluebird Picnic area and follows the south side of the park along the lake trail and around Mud Lake. The course has about 296 feet of elevation gain and loss and the direction alternates between clockwise and counterclockwise every few hours. Runners must be in the starting corral when the next loop begins and may not receive aid or pacing while on course. Crews and support are allowed between loops at the start/finish area.
Organizers plan for a participant capacity of about 210 runners with a waitlist capacity of 75. Packet pick up is available the morning of the race. The event may extend across multiple days until a single runner remains. Runners who do not complete a required loop are recorded as DNF but total distance covered is tracked. A marked area near the start and finish allows chairs and small gear, and a designated picnic area permits tent setup roughly 50 to 100 yards from the line. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
