Butterfield Blitz Backyard

Event overview

The Butterfield Blitz Backyard is scheduled for May 16, 2026 at Butterfield Trailhead Regional Park in Herriman, Utah. The event offers three timed backyard ultra options: 4-hour, 8-hour, and 12-hour. Each distance is capped at 60 runners to limit trail congestion. Late registration begins April 16 and closes May 15 at 11:59 pm MT. Packet pickup is available Friday afternoon at the Salt Lake Running Store in Sandy and there is race-day pickup as well. Free parking is provided at the park.

Course and format

Runners complete repeated hourly loops on a 4.167-mile loop (99% trail, 1% fire road) with +512 ft elevation gain per loop. The trail climbs slowly for about the first 2 miles, then descends on well-marked single-track through dense foliage. Navigation is marked with pink flags, cones, and signs. Loop rules include completing each loop within the hour to receive credit and not starting the next loop early. The Blitz format times every loop; placement is decided by distance completed and, if tied, cumulative lap time. No pacers or artificial aids, including trekking poles, are allowed.

Services, awards, and logistics

• 4 hours - 16.7 miles (+2,048 ft)
• 8 hours - 33.3 miles (+4,096 ft)
• 12 hours - 50 miles (+6,144 ft)

Live timing with individual lap times will be provided. All finishers of at least one loop receive a medal; completing 12 loops earns a leather patch beanie. Aid at the finish line includes snacks and Tailwind electrolyte drink; Great Harvest Bread is provided after the 4-hour event and pizza after the 8- and 12-hour events. Free, watermark-free photos will be taken and made available online. Rules require runners to be in the starting area at loop start and for slower runners to allow passes. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.