Anderson Lake Backyard Ultra
Gwinn, United States • 10-11 Oct 2026
Anderson Lake Backyard Ultra
The Anderson Lake Backyard Ultra takes place at the Anderson Lake West State Forest Campground in Gwinn, Michigan. This event follows a modified backyard ultra format with a 24-hour cap, meaning participants can complete a total of 24 loops over the course of the event.
The course consists of a 4.167-mile (6.706 km) circuit through the Upper Peninsula woods. This loop features a mix of gravel road, a rooty singletrack section, and wide-open rolling ski trails. Each loop includes approximately 289 feet of elevation gain, incorporating several punchy climbs. Participants start one loop every hour on the hour. To continue, runners must complete the lap and be back in the starting corral before the next hour begins.
Basecamp is located at the Anderson Lake boat ramp parking lot. Participants are provided with a 10x10 space for self-support, where they can set up a canopy; however, traditional tents and open fires are not permitted. While some water and snacks are provided at basecamp, runners must be largely self-supported for their nutritional needs.
The event includes the following distances:
- 100 miles (achieved by completing all 24 loops)
- 4.167 miles (minimum distance of one loop)
Access to the site is managed via a shuttle service from the Up North Lodge Event Center parking lot on race day, as no parking is available at the campground for participants or spectators. A headlamp is mandatory for all laps starting from 7:00 PM onwards. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.