Back Cove Backyard Ultra

Back Cove Backyard Ultra

Back Cove Backyard Ultra is a backyard ultra event in Portland, ME, scheduled for July 10, 2027 and organized by The Grind Run Company. The format has runners complete the same loop each hour until a single runner remains.

The course follows the Back Cove Trail, described as a 3.5 mile non-technical, mostly flat gravel loop with a short paved bridge crossing and views along a tidal estuary basin. Each circuit includes a 0.60 mile add-on on the Bayside Trail at the start/finish area to equal the standard 4.16 miles per loop. Parking is free in the public lot adjacent to the start/finish on a first come, first served basis.

There are two aid stations. An unstaffed station in Payson Park will offer water, basic first aid supplies, and packaged snacks. A fully staffed aid station at the start/finish will provide water, electrolytes, packaged and prepared snacks, and basic first aid supplies. Event personnel will be present at the start/finish for the duration of the event; participants may leave drop bags or use a small tent or canopy adjacent to that area. Porta potties are available in Payson Park and at the start/finish.

This is a hyper-local event with volunteer support and minimal swag. Registration opens January 1, 2027. Organizers do not issue refunds except for extraordinary circumstances determined at their discretion; a pregnancy deferral policy is offered for use the following year. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.