Elm Creek Backyard Ultra

Elm Creek Backyard Ultra

Elm Creek Backyard Ultra is a backyard ultra held at Elm Creek Park Reserve in Maple Grove. The format requires runners to complete a 4.167 mile loop every hour; loops must be started at the top of the hour and continue until one runner remains. The last runner to complete a loop on their own is the winner.

The course begins and ends at the Bluebird Picnic area and follows the lake trail around Mud Lake on the south side of the park. The loop records about 296 feet of elevation gain and loss. The direction of the loop will rotate between clockwise and counterclockwise every few hours.

On-course aid and pacing are not permitted. Between loops runners may receive support from their crew at the start and finish area. Crews are allowed but not required; overnight, gates will be locked so crews may leave but will not be able to return until dawn. Runners may use a designated space next to the start and finish line for a chair or small items and may set up a tent in the picnic area approximately 50 to 100 yards away.

The event anticipates a field capacity near 190 runners and will maintain a waitlist if capacity is reached. The Elm Creek Backyard Ultra is a Bronze Ticket qualifier for Big's Backyard Team Championships in the fall of 2028. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.