Elm Creek Backyard Ultra
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Elm Creek Backyard Ultra
The Elm Creek Backyard Ultra is a multi-lap endurance race held in Maple Grove, Minnesota, at Elm Creek Park Reserve. The event uses a loop format: runners complete a 4.167 mile loop every hour and must begin each loop at the top of the hour. The last runner who completes an additional loop on their own is declared the winner; other participants are recorded with total distance covered.
The course starts and finishes at the Bluebird Picnic area and follows the lake trail around Mud Lake. The route has about 296 feet of elevation gain and loss and alternates between clockwise and counterclockwise directions every few hours. Runners may have crew support between loops but may not receive aid or pacing while on course. A designated area near the start and finish allows crews and runners to set up a chair, cooler, or small tent; a larger picnic area is available for tents roughly 50 to 100 yards from the start/finish.
Race procedures include staying in the starting area before each loop and remaining on course once the loop begins, with the porta-potty cited as an exception. Audible signals mark loop timing and a bell indicates the start of each loop. The event anticipates a capacity near 190 runners and will use a waitlist if capacity is reached. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
