Grassroots Backyard Ultra

Grassroots Backyard Ultra - Okotoks, Alberta (June 27, 2026)

The GrassRoots Backyard Ultra returns for its fifth edition in Okotoks, Alberta on June 27, 2026. The event uses a 6.71 km loop along the Sheep River pathway that includes a short section of single-track dirt and about 34 m of elevation gain. The course is an open public pathway and is described as flat. The event offers a prize of $500 to the Last Person Standing, plus an additional $250 if a new course record is set; the current course record is 35 loops (August 2024). More than half of the 2024 field completed 15 loops (100 km).

Format and distances

• Backyard Ultra (Last Person Standing) - 6.71 km loop repeated hourly.
• Backyard15 (BY15) - 15 hours, 100.65 km.
• Backyard24 (BY24) - 24 hours, 100 miles.

Rules and eligibility

Runners must complete the 6.71 km loop within one hour or be recorded as DNF. A new lap begins at the top of each hour; warning whistles are given 3, 2, and 1 minute before each lap. Competitors must start moving at the bell and be in the starting corral before the next lap begins. No aid is allowed while a runner is on course from the moment the bell sounds. The last remaining runner must complete one additional lap to be declared the winner. Minimum age is 16 years on race day.

Registration, capacity and fees

Registration opens September 15, 2025 and closes May 31, 2026 (or sooner if spots fill). The timed events (BY15 and BY24) have limited capacity. Fees: Backyard Ultra early bird $175 / regular $200; BY15 early bird $130 / regular $155; BY24 early bird $155 / regular $180. No refunds; transfers allowed until June 1, 2026 with a $20 administration fee. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.