Grand Valley Backyard

Grand Valley Backyard

The Grand Valley Backyard is an inaugural endurance event held at the 18 Road Trailhead in Loma, Colorado. As a traditional and official bronze ticket Backyard race, the format requires participants to complete a 4.17 mile loop every hour. All runners start each loop together, and the event continues until only one person remains to complete a final loop alone.

The course consists of 4.17 miles of mostly single track with some double track sections. The terrain is non-technical and entirely runnable, featuring no pavement. Each loop includes approximately 500 feet of elevation gain, which occurs almost entirely during the first half of the lap. A large staging area serves as the central hub for the finish line environment.

Participants are provided with water and endurance fuel, but those requiring solid food must bring their own. The race environment supports a crew-assisted experience, with the following provisions:

• 4.17 mile loops repeated hourly until one runner remains.
• Crews are limited to three people per participant.
• Each runner/crew is permitted a 10x10 space for a pop-up tent.
• No electricity or gas generators are permitted in the crew space.

Awards include distance-specific buckles for all mileage achieved. Last male and last female standing receive acrylic awards, while the overall winner is awarded a specialized buckle. Each participant receives a shirt, a race sticker, and a draw-string bag. Results are recorded in Ultrasignup based on the total distance completed. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.