Persistence Backyard Ultra

Event overview

Persistence Backyard Ultra is an affiliated backyard ultra taking place on August 1, 2026 at Eco Park, 15889 Medway Road, Arva, Ontario, Canada. The event is capped at 67 participants and will donate a portion of each registration to the Children's Health Foundation. The race is an affiliated Silver Ticket event; the winner receives an automatic entry to compete in the World Team Championship. The race is officially affiliated with Lazarus Lake's Big Dog's Backyard Ultra and has been sanctioned by Athletics Ontario in past years.

Course, format and logistics

The course is a smaller circuit of approximately 3.36 kilometres, run twice consecutively to make a required 6.7056 kilometres loop each hour. The surface is a mix of crushed stone trail, some grass, and a dirt road. The venue is a private facility; the course will not be available for pre-event access and will be set up on race day. The event continues until one runner completes one loop more than all other runners, or until no runners can complete an additional loop.

Rules and logistics: runners may start with up to two crew members; spectators are not allowed. Runners must wear race bibs visibly on the front and are responsible for their own food and drinks; there is no potable water onsite but some hydration options will be provided. Medical staff will be onsite and may withdraw runners if continuation is unsafe. There is no official timing. Prizes include a commemorative hoodie for each runner and race awards for the winner, plus a conditional travel stipend. Refund and credit rules apply with deadlines stated by the organizer. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.