Back Cove Backyard Ultra
Portland, United States • 11 Jul 2026
Back Cove Backyard Ultra : Portland, ME
The Back Cove Backyard Ultra is a backyard ultra held on the Back Cove Trail in Portland, Maine. The format requires participants to complete the same loop repeatedly; the event continues until a single participant remains.
Each loop is the standard backyard ultra distance of 4.16 miles, consisting of the 3.5 mile Back Cove Trail plus a 0.60 mile add-on on the Bayside Trail at the start and finish area. The Back Cove Trail is described as mostly flat, non-technical, and gravel, with a short paved bridge crossing and views along a tidal estuary basin.
There are two aid stations. One unstaffed station in Payson Park provides water, basic first aid supplies, and packaged snacks. A staffed station at the start/finish offers water, electrolytes, packaged and prepared snacks, and basic first aid supplies. Event personnel remain at the start/finish for the duration of the event and participants may leave drop bags there. There is space for a small tent or canopy adjacent to the start/finish. Porta potties are located in Payson Park and at the start/finish area.
Parking is free in the public lot adjacent to the start/finish on a first come/first served basis. The event relies on volunteer support. Refunds are not issued except in extraordinary circumstances at the organizers discretion; a pregnancy deferral is available. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.