Grind on the Grid Backyard Ultra

Backyard Ultra Format in Indiana

The Grind on the Grid Backyard Ultra is a distance event held in Wingate, Indiana. Following the traditional backyard ultra format, participants must complete a specific distance every hour to remain in the competition. The race utilizes a course inspired by the Land Ordinance of 1785, featuring a layout that incorporates the 1 mile square sections typical of the regional landscape.

Course Details

The course measures 4 miles 880 feet in length. It is designed as an out and back route that includes a short grass trail loop toward the end. The terrain consists of multiple surfaces, including approximately 0.5 miles of gravel, 0.5 miles of grass, and 3.167 miles of road with shoulders. The route is situated in an area that offers views of both the sunrise and sunset.

Event Regulations and Facilities

The event is governed by standard backyard ultra rules to determine the final standing:

• Each loop starts precisely one hour after the previous one.
• Participants must be inside the starting corral when the bell rings to start a loop.
• Loops must be completed within the hour to count toward the total distance.
• No personal aid or non-competitors are permitted on the course during a loop.
• Artificial aids, such as trekking poles, are not allowed.

Portapotties are located near the starting corral for participant use. The organizers allow the setup of tents or canopies the night before the event begins. The competition continues until only one runner is able to complete a loop within the time limit. If no runner can complete one more loop than the others, no winner is declared.

Registration and Capacity

The event aims for a field of 100 runners. While individual loop times are not officially recorded, the distance covered by each participant is tracked for the final results. Registration typically closes two days before the event date. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

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