LATR Backyard Ultra
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LATR Backyard Ultra in Indianola, IA
The event is a backyard ultra held at Lake Ahquabi State Park with the start and finish at the beach shelter house. Runners complete repeated laps of 4.167 miles around the Lake Trail, run counter clockwise. The trail surface is mostly dirt with some gravel and includes roots, rocks, and other uneven surfaces. Much of the route runs under mature timber and offers views of the lake.
The format requires runners to return to the starting corral at the top of each hour and begin the next lap when signaled. Laps must be completed within 60 minutes. Three, two, and one minute warnings are given before the hour. Runners may leave the course only to use restrooms during a lap. Spectators, crew, eliminated runners, and pacers are not allowed on the course, and personal aids such as trekking poles may not be used while running. Slower runners must allow others to pass. There is no overall time or distance cap. The winner is the last person to complete a lap, finishing one more lap than any other participant; all other participants receive results as distance covered or laps completed.
Aid is available at the starting corral and at a midway aid station with water, Tailwind, and snacks. Bathrooms are located along the course and at the beach shelter house. Overnight runners must carry a headlamp; additional lighting will be added to the course for overnight hours.
Packet pick up is available the day before and the day of the event. Crews may set up around the beach shelter; vehicles must use adjacent parking lots and crew areas must be cleaned at departure. There are hotel options in Indianola and campsites at Lake Ahquabi campground. Registration uses tiered pricing, a t-shirt add on is available for a fee prior to the September price increase, and there are no refunds or transfers.
The winner receives a medal, a prize package including a $200 Scheels gift card, and a bronze coin as part of the event's Big's Backyard Ultra affiliation. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
