Back Cove Backyard Ultra
Portland, United States • 11 Jul 2026
Back Cove Backyard Ultra - July 11, 2026, Portland, ME
The Back Cove Backyard Ultra is a backyard ultra event held at Back Cove Park in Portland, ME. Registration opens on January 1, 2026. The format uses repeated loops until one runner remains; each loop follows the standard backyard ultra distance of about 4.16 miles.
Course, support and logistics
The main trail is a non-technical, mostly flat, gravel loop of 3.5 miles with a short paved bridge crossing, running along the edge of a tidal estuary basin. Each loop includes a 0.60 mile add-on on the Bayside Trail near the start/finish to reach the backyard ultra loop distance. 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 with water, basic first aid supplies, and packaged snacks, and a fully staffed station at the start/finish with water, electrolytes, packaged and prepared snacks, and basic first aid supplies. Event personnel will be at the start/finish for the duration of the event; participants may leave drop bags or supplies there and may place a small tent or canopy adjacent to that area. Porta potties are available in Payson Park and at the start/finish. The event will not issue refunds except for extraordinary circumstances at the organizers' discretion; a pregnancy deferral is offered. Volunteers support the event. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.