Elm Creek Backyard Ultra
Maple Grove, United States • 24 Apr 2026
Event format and entry
Elm Creek Backyard Ultra is a multi-hour backyard-format race held in Maple Grove, MN on April 24, 2026. Runners complete repeated loops of 4.167 miles, starting a new loop at the top of each hour. The event continues until only one runner remains; that runner must complete a final solo loop to be declared the winner. Organizers anticipate a capacity of 190 runners. Registration opens on September 1, 2025 and closes when the event reaches capacity.
Course, logistics and rules
The course is in Elm Creek Park Reserve, beginning and ending at the Bluebird Picnic area and following the lake trail around Mud Lake on the park's south side. The loop has about 296 feet of elevation gain and loss and will rotate between clockwise and counterclockwise directions every few hours. Runners may receive support from their crew only between loops; once the bell signals the start of a loop, runners must stay on course and may not receive aid or pacing. Audible signals (whistles and a bell) mark the countdown and loop starts. Crews are allowed and may set up near the start/finish; tents are permitted in a designated picnic area about 50-100 yards away. Runners who fail to start a loop on time or who choose to stop are recorded as DNF, but total distance covered is tracked for results. Overnight gate access may limit crew reentry until dawn. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.