Ode to Laz Michigan Backyard Ultra

Ode to Laz Michigan Backyard Ultra

Ode to Laz is a backyard ultra event held in Holly, Michigan at the McGinnis area of Holly State Recreation Area. The event offers multiple entry options including Last Person Standing, Oak Flats 3HR, Bronze Registrant, and a virtual entry. Camping is available at McGinnis campground and local hotels and dining are within a short drive.

The event follows the backyard ultra format: contestants repeat the same loop each hour and must be standing at the start line to begin the next lap. The race switches between a trail loop and a paved park road for night loops, and runners complete each lap without outside assistance. Pacers are not permitted; crew is allowed. Contestants provide their own aid. Packet pickup occurs race morning at assigned starting areas and assignments are communicated before the event.

Course details:

• 4.167 mile trail loop, about 350 feet of climbing
• 4.167 mile night loop on park road, about 250 feet of climbing

Additional information: bathrooms are available along the course, water is provided, glass containers are prohibited, and no hiking poles or headphones are allowed on trails. Parking for one vehicle overnight is available for full event entrants and 10 by 10 canopy space is offered first come, first served. The event is Bigs Backyard affiliated; the 2026 champion may earn a Silver Ticket toward national team consideration if they meet USA eligibility rules. Virtual entrants are not eligible for prizes or at-large qualification. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.