Great Lawn Backyard Ultra
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About the race
The Great Lawn Backyard Ultra is an inaugural backyard ultra held November 14, 2026 at Cranbury Park in Norwalk, CT. The format requires runners to complete the same loop every hour, continuing hour after hour until only one runner completes a lap within the time limit.
The course is an exact 4.167 mile loop designed so 24 laps equal 100 miles. It runs through historic estate grounds, wooded single-track trails, and manicured park paths. To change the character of the course, the route alternates direction every four hours, switching between clockwise and counter-clockwise laps. Elevation changes are described as rolling and manageable. The start/finish area serves as the central aid station and runner village, with space for personal setups and crew in a designated basecamp.
Race support includes race-provided hydration and nutrition, and staff and volunteers offering water, electrolyte replacement, warm food, and hot drinks. The Backyard Ultra rules require all runners to be in the starting corral when the hourly bell rings and give each runner 60 minutes to complete the loop; this interval includes time for refueling, clothing changes, and rest. The event continues in this manner until a single continuing runner remains.
Practical details include the date and venue address at Cranbury Park, 191 Grumman Ave, Norwalk, CT, and a limited race field for the inaugural year. November weather in Connecticut can be cold and variable; runners are advised to prepare warm layers and reliable lighting for night running. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
