Yellowbrick Backyard Ultra

Yellowbrick Backyard Ultra

Yellowbrick Backyard Ultra is a backyard ultra held at Kinsey Park in Peoria, IL. The course is a 100% single track trail with no road or water crossings and runs through a park with a Wizard of Oz theme. Wildlife such as deer, birds, and squirrels are commonly seen along the route.

The event uses a last-runner-standing format. Runners complete a 4.16 mile loop each hour; each new loop begins one hour after the previous. Participants who are not back at the start line on the hour or who miss the start of their next loop are removed from the race. Loop pacing choices affect rest time between loops and overall energy management.

Key operational points include scheduled 5-minute and 1-minute warnings before each loop, a requirement to remain on course except for restrooms, a prohibition on pacers on the course, and a rule that dropping runners must notify staff before returning to their vehicles. Packet pickup is available Friday, June 12 from 4:00 to 7:00 pm and race morning from 6:00 to 7:45 am at the start/finish area. Organizers recommend arriving 45 to 60 minutes before the event begins.

All entrants receive a T-shirt, sticker, and participant award. There is an overall winner award and prizes or extras for those reaching 50k, 50 mile, and 100 mile marks. Camping in the park is not permitted; hotels are available within a 15-minute drive. Registration closes May 13. No refunds are offered, but registrations may be deferred to the following year with ample notice. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.