LATR Backyard Ultra

LATR Backyard Ultra

LATR Backyard Ultra is held at Lake Ahquabi State Park near Indianola, IA. The event uses a loop course that begins and ends at the beach shelter house and follows the Lake Trail counter clockwise around Lake Ahquabi. The trail surface is mostly dirt with some gravel and features roots, rocks, and uneven surfaces. Much of the route runs under mature timber with intermittent lake views.

The format requires runners to complete a single lap of 4.167 miles every hour. Laps must be completed within 60 minutes and runners must return to the starting corral at the top of the hour or be disqualified. Three, two, and one minute warnings will be given before the hour. Participants may leave the course only to use restrooms while on lap. Spectators and crew may not be on the course and pacers or personal aids such as trekking poles are not permitted.

Aid is available at the starting corral and at a mid-loop aid station, and several restrooms are located along the route and at the beach shelter. Runners remaining overnight must carry a headlamp; additional lighting will be added for dark hours. The crew area is at the beach shelter with tent space, adjacent parking, limited electricity, and restroom access. Campground and hotel options are available nearby. Registration uses three pricing tiers, includes a t-shirt add on option, and has no refunds or transfers.

The winner is the last runner to complete one more lap than any other competitor and will receive a medal, a prize package, and a bronze coin under Big's Backyard Ultra affiliation. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.