LATR Backyard Ultra

LATR Backyard Ultra - Lake Ahquabi, Indianola, IA

This backyard ultra uses a looped course around Lake Ahquabi that begins and ends at the beach shelter house. Runners complete repeated laps of 4.167 miles (one "yard") and must return to the starting corral at the top of each hour to begin the next lap. Laps must be completed in 60 minutes and failure to be at the corral on time results in disqualification; 3, 2, and 1 minute warnings are given before the hour.

The trail follows the Lake Trail counterclockwise and is mostly dirt with some gravel. Runners will encounter roots, rocks, and uneven surfaces and will spend much time under mature timber with occasional views of the lake. Overnight runners must carry a headlamp; additional lighting will be added for dark hours. There is water, Tailwind, and snacks at the starting corral and at an aid station near the mid-point of the loop. Several restrooms are located along the route and at the beach shelter house.

Crew areas are in and around the beach shelter; crews may set up tents or canopies and must park in adjacent lots. Limited electricity will be available. Crews may aid runners only when runners have completed a lap; no personal aid is allowed while runners are on course. There is no official distance cap or end time; the winner is the last person to complete one more lap than any other competitor. Registration is nonrefundable and nontransferable. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.