Rocky's Backyard Ultra

Rocky's Backyard Ultra

Rocky's Backyard Ultra is a mountain backyard ultra held in Estes Park, Colorado, on trails bordering Rocky Mountain National Park. Runners complete repeated loops of 4.167 miles, with each loop starting on the hour and repeating until all but one runner withdraws. Each loop includes roughly 500 feet of vertical gain and the course sits near 7,500 feet in elevation. The route uses mountain singletrack and offers continuous views of Longs Peak and the Twin Sisters.

The event awards $1,000 cash to the last runner standing. Buckles are given to participants who reach 100 miles (24 loops). There is no set distance or overall time limit; the format continues until one runner remains. The event has been run for multiple years and the current course record is 29 loops.

Basic rules govern conduct on course and at base camp: no personal aid is allowed during loops - all aid must come from the base camp between loops; no trekking poles; no pacers; no headphones during daylight; participants must start each loop on time and complete the loop before the next hour begins; the race director's decision is final.

Base camp between loops serves as the aid station. Participants should bring their own nutrition and crew if desired. Camping by tent or van at the event site is not allowed. Packet pickup is held the Friday before the race at Estes Park Mountain Shop. All races are cupless; runners should bring a cup or obtain the event reusable cup for a small fee. Registration pricing is tiered: early registration is $120 until July 31, then $130 thereafter. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.