Banana Slug Backyard Ultra & Backyard 24

Banana Slug Backyard Ultra and Backyard 24 : Champoeg State Park, April 2027

The Banana Slug events use the backyard-ultra format on a 4.167 mile loop at Champoeg State Park in St. Paul, Oregon, along the Willamette River. Runners must complete each loop within one hour to continue. The Backyard 24 ends after 24 loops (100 miles); the Backyard Ultra continues until only one runner completes a loop that no other runner completes, or until no runner completes a loop.

Both races use a trail course for daytime running and switch to a paved bike-path night course every 12 hours. Each loop has roughly 250 feet of elevation gain. Toilets are placed at the start/finish and about 1.5 and 2.5 miles into the loop. A common aid station at the start/finish pavilion supplies water, Tailwind fuel, and bananas; no aid stations are provided along the course.

Amenities and logistics include a covered pavilion with 20 picnic tables adjacent to the start/finish, reserved 10x10 canopy spaces for an additional fee, early check-in and camping options for Backyard Ultra entrants who select camping, and parking for one vehicle included with registration. Additional parking for crew or spectators requires a day use fee or a race parking pass. Registration closes February 1, 2027 or when fields reach capacity; capacity is 75 for the Backyard 24 and 100 for the Backyard Ultra. The event follows strict start rules, loop rules, and a no-refund policy with limited deferral options. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.