Grassroots Backyard Ultra
Grassroots Backyard Ultra - Okotoks, Alberta - June 27, 2026
The GrassRoots Backyard Ultra takes place in Okotoks, Alberta on June 27, 2026. The event uses a 6.71 km loop along the Sheep River pathway with a touch of single track and 34 meters of gain. The course is on public pathways and is described as flat and fast.
Offered formats:
- Backyard Ultra Last Person Standing
- Backyard15 (15 hours, 100.65 km)
- Backyard24 (24 hours, 100 miles)
Timed events BY15 and BY24 share the same loop and follow the same Backyard rules. Timed events have limited capacity. Registration opens September 15, 2025 and closes May 31, 2026. Published fees: Backyard Ultra Early Bird 175 USD, Regular 200 USD; Backyard15 Early Bird 130 USD, Regular 155 USD; Backyard24 Early Bird 155 USD, Regular 180 USD.
Key rules: runners must complete the 6.71 km loop within one hour or receive a DNF; a new lap starts at the top of each hour; warning whistles sound at 3, 2, and 1 minute before each lap; all competitors must be moving at the bell and be in the starting corral or they will be DNF; no aid is allowed while on course after the bell; the last remaining runner must complete one additional lap to be declared the winner. Minimum age 16 years. No refunds. Registrations may be transferred until 11:59 p.m. June 1, 2026 for a 20 USD administration fee.
The Last Person Standing receives a trophy and 500 USD, plus a 250 USD bonus if a new course record is set. The current mark to beat is 35 loops set in August 2024. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.