LATR Backyard Ultra

LATR Backyard Ultra

LATR Backyard Ultra is a backyard-style ultramarathon held at Lake Ahquabi State Park near Indianola, IA. Runners complete repeated laps of a measured loop; each lap is 4.167 miles long, which equals 100 miles after 24 consecutive laps. The course follows the Lake Trail counter clockwise around the lake and is mostly dirt with some gravel. Runners should expect roots, rocks, and uneven surfaces, plus stretches under mature trees and occasional lake views.

The format requires runners to return to the starting corral at the top of each hour or be disqualified. Warnings are given three, two, and one minute before the hour. Laps must be finished within 60 minutes and participants may not leave the course except to use restrooms located along the route. No pacers or personal aids such as trekking poles are allowed on the course. After each lap runners may receive aid from their crew at the corral.

Aid is available at the starting corral and at a midway aid station with water, Tailwind, and snacks. Runners continuing into overnight hours must carry a headlamp; additional lighting will be added to the course for overnight running. Results are recorded as distance covered or laps completed; the winner is the last runner to complete one more lap than anyone else.

Packet pick up occurs the day before and on race day at the beach shelter house. A mandatory pre-race meeting takes place on race day. Crews may set up in and around the beach shelter with tents or canopies; vehicles must park in adjacent lots. Lodging options include local hotels and reservable campsites through the Iowa DNR. Registration follows tiered pricing with a t-shirt add on available before September 1; there are no refunds or transfers. The winner receives a medal, prize package, and a bronze coin as part of the event affiliation. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.