Elm Creek Backyard Ultra
Maple Grove, United States • 23 Apr 2027
Elm Creek Backyard Ultra
The Elm Creek Backyard Ultra is a backyard format ultrarun held in Maple Grove, Minnesota, at Elm Creek Park Reserve. The course starts and finishes at the Bluebird Picnic area and follows the south side of the park along the lake trail and around Mud Lake. The loop measures 4.167 miles and includes about 296 feet of elevation gain and loss. The course direction will rotate between clockwise and counterclockwise every few hours.
The event follows the backyard rule set: runners must start a new loop at the top of each hour and complete the loop within that hour. The last runner to complete a loop on their own is the winner. No aid or pacing may be provided to runners while they are on course; between loops runners may receive support from a crew. Whistle signals and a bell mark the countdown and the start of each loop.
Crews are permitted and may provide support between loops. A designated area next to the start and finish is available for a chair, cooler, and other small items, and a picnic area is available for tents about 50 to 100 yards away. Overnight access for crews may be restricted by park gates. The race records total distance for all participants and expects an approximate capacity of 190 runners, with a waitlist if the race fills. The 2027 event is a Bronze Ticket qualifier for Bigs Backyard Team Championships in fall 2028. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.