Rocky's Backyard Ultra is a 4.167 mile trail loop consisting of a small section of gravel road and single track trails. Our race runs on the YMCA of the Rockies campus bordering Rocky Mountain National Park.
We aim to host one of the most scenic, challenging and inclusive Backyard Ultra races in the world.
The event is hosted in collaboration by Running Wild Estes Park, Estes Valley Trail Runners & YMCA of the Rockies
We aim to host one of the most scenic, challenging and inclusive Backyard Ultra races in the world.
The event is hosted in collaboration by Running Wild Estes Park, Estes Valley Trail Runners & YMCA of the Rockies
Description
The Backyard Ultra is a form of Ultra Trail race where runners must complete 4.167 miles in less than one hour, every hour, until only one runner remains to complete a lap.
This runner is crowned the winner and only finisher, while all others will be marked as DNF. There is no predetermined end length or time - we go until only one remains.....
Rocky's Backyard is hosted at the YMCA of the Rockies campus which offers family fun and adventure. Kids of all ages will have plenty to do while your athlete competes for a yet unknown number of hours. We recommend staying on campus at the YMCA or at any Estes Park lodging establishment. Our preferred lodging partner aside from the YMCA is the Estes Park Quality Inn - friend's of the race, locally owned and operated.
This runner is crowned the winner and only finisher, while all others will be marked as DNF. There is no predetermined end length or time - we go until only one remains.....
Rocky's Backyard is hosted at the YMCA of the Rockies campus which offers family fun and adventure. Kids of all ages will have plenty to do while your athlete competes for a yet unknown number of hours. We recommend staying on campus at the YMCA or at any Estes Park lodging establishment. Our preferred lodging partner aside from the YMCA is the Estes Park Quality Inn - friend's of the race, locally owned and operated.
Course - Map
Welcome to Rocky’s Backyard Ultra where the setting is magical and the miles are earned. Our race takes place within the boundaries of the pristine YMCA of the Rockies Estes Park Center which makes Rocky’s, to our knowledge, the highest organized Backyard Ultra in the world!
Much of the course runs the perimeter of Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) and is on 100% genuine Rocky Mountain singletrack. Each lap boasts around 500 feet of gain and equal loss. Being that this course sits between 7,930’ and 8060’, every lap you run will be an achievement.
From camp, you’ll run west toward RMNP and start your first ascent of Rocky’s course. It’s gradual but noticeable. A hairpin turn onto the Glacier Creek Trail will send you downhill along one of the most beautiful and fun segments of trail in the area. The trail runs above/alongside Glacier Creek, which starts in the heart of RMNP. You’ll ebb and flow with the Glacier Creek for about a mile until you leave it to run the Eastern boundary of the YMCA of the Rockies on the Wind River Trail. This is the second noticeable ascent of the loop that will include one stream crossing, beaver ponds, and visiting both sides of Dorsey pond. You’ll likely encounter wildlife along this part of the course too - elk, deer, bear, and many smaller animals are all frequent guests.
With an October race date, you’ll never quite know what to expect. We do know that the fall feels will be on full display. Weather, though, can be a little more temperamental. Race day could be dry and warm or under a foot of snow. Either way, it’s all part of an amazing adventure that awaits you in Rocky’s Backyard Ultra!
Much of the course runs the perimeter of Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) and is on 100% genuine Rocky Mountain singletrack. Each lap boasts around 500 feet of gain and equal loss. Being that this course sits between 7,930’ and 8060’, every lap you run will be an achievement.
From camp, you’ll run west toward RMNP and start your first ascent of Rocky’s course. It’s gradual but noticeable. A hairpin turn onto the Glacier Creek Trail will send you downhill along one of the most beautiful and fun segments of trail in the area. The trail runs above/alongside Glacier Creek, which starts in the heart of RMNP. You’ll ebb and flow with the Glacier Creek for about a mile until you leave it to run the Eastern boundary of the YMCA of the Rockies on the Wind River Trail. This is the second noticeable ascent of the loop that will include one stream crossing, beaver ponds, and visiting both sides of Dorsey pond. You’ll likely encounter wildlife along this part of the course too - elk, deer, bear, and many smaller animals are all frequent guests.
With an October race date, you’ll never quite know what to expect. We do know that the fall feels will be on full display. Weather, though, can be a little more temperamental. Race day could be dry and warm or under a foot of snow. Either way, it’s all part of an amazing adventure that awaits you in Rocky’s Backyard Ultra!
Weather & Conditions
October in Rocky can present all four seasons in a day
Average weather is 50s in the day, 20s at night and a 10% chance of major snow
We are in the heart of the mountains - come prepared for anything and everything.
Average weather is 50s in the day, 20s at night and a 10% chance of major snow
We are in the heart of the mountains - come prepared for anything and everything.
Amenities
Water, liquid Vfuel and some form of food will be available during the entirety of the event.
Special food will be available randomly throughout the day. Weather permitting there will be a lot of grilling at base camp.
We will not have enough food to sustain you for multiple days; if you are racing then you are responsible for your own nutrition.
Special food will be available randomly throughout the day. Weather permitting there will be a lot of grilling at base camp.
We will not have enough food to sustain you for multiple days; if you are racing then you are responsible for your own nutrition.
Rules
- Race begins promptly at 10AM
- Warning bells will be given 3, 2, and 1 minutes prior to each start
- Race continues at the start of every hour as long as there are multiple runners on the course.
- The only way to win is to complete the course when no other runner can
- There can be only one finisher - all others will receive DNF and your total "yards" will be recorded
- If there is a loop that no runner completes, there is no winner
- Once a loop starts, no runner can leave the course (except for restrooms)
- No personal aid can be given during a loop
- No artificial aids are allowed (including trekking poles)
- Each loop must be completed within an hour to be counted
- Slower runners must allow passes
Registration Fees
Registration fees:
Backyard Ultra - $100 + $30 YMCA Day Pass (waived if staying on property or YMCA of the Rockies member)
One Bagger (single lap) - $50 + Ultrasignup cut
Email Kevin@runningwildusa.com for $20 discount code if you are one or more of the following:
Backyard Ultra - $100 + $30 YMCA Day Pass (waived if staying on property or YMCA of the Rockies member)
One Bagger (single lap) - $50 + Ultrasignup cut
Email Kevin@runningwildusa.com for $20 discount code if you are one or more of the following:
- Estes Valley Student
- Estes Valley Trail Runners member
- Running Wild Elite member
- Teacher
- First Responder
- Active duty military
- Veteran
- Jim Walmsley
The Green Gate Backyard training
This has completed for 2023! Check back for 2024
Estes Valley Trail Runners & Running Wild Estes Park will be doing a group training day from the Lumpy Ridge Trailhead
August 30, 2023 - 10am start, to the green gate every hour.
Water & electrolyte drink will be provided.
This is not an event, if you plan to run please arrive self sufficient.
Estes Valley Trail Runners & Running Wild Estes Park will be doing a group training day from the Lumpy Ridge Trailhead
August 30, 2023 - 10am start, to the green gate every hour.
Water & electrolyte drink will be provided.
This is not an event, if you plan to run please arrive self sufficient.
Volunteering
Volunteers play a pivotal role in making this event a success. Backyard is the best way to experience Ultra Trail for the first time.
By joining our dedicated team, you'll have the opportunity to:
Fuel the Runners: Keep racers energized with our well-stocked aid station. Fill their bottles, get them in a chair and convince them "One more lap"
Offer Support: Provide encouragement, support and trail fixes to bodies & minds.
Guide the Way: Ensure the course is safe and marked for participants. As the day goes on we will need to check the course periodically for reflective markings, especially through the night
Sign up to volunteer here
By joining our dedicated team, you'll have the opportunity to:
Fuel the Runners: Keep racers energized with our well-stocked aid station. Fill their bottles, get them in a chair and convince them "One more lap"
Offer Support: Provide encouragement, support and trail fixes to bodies & minds.
Guide the Way: Ensure the course is safe and marked for participants. As the day goes on we will need to check the course periodically for reflective markings, especially through the night
Sign up to volunteer here
Sponsors
We love these companies and organizations - without them this race doesn't happen.
Show them support when you can.
Show them support when you can.
Refund/Cancellation Policy
There are no refunds allowed for any reason including race cancellation. Any request for a refund will receive a polite but firm "no" with a link to this policy.
Entry fees collected are used to develop and produce the event, starting well in advance of the race date. We pledge to make every effort to produce a fair and safe event for all participants. Any decision we make that impacts the race date or potential cancellation is carefully considered and based on the overall event safety and manageability.
There are no refunds allowed for any reason including race cancellation. Any request for a refund will receive a polite but firm "no" with a link to this policy.
Entry fees collected are used to develop and produce the event, starting well in advance of the race date. We pledge to make every effort to produce a fair and safe event for all participants. Any decision we make that impacts the race date or potential cancellation is carefully considered and based on the overall event safety and manageability.
Giving Back
No Barriers to Youth Experiencing the Great Outdoors
Rocky's Backyard will donate the proceeds from our race beyond production costs to support YMCA Day Camp scholarships.
The minimum donation at 60 racers will be $2,500 and it will go up from there!
Childcare is a major challenge in our community and our event hopes to play a small part in raising funds for children from all backgrounds to enjoy the outdoors.
The minimum donation at 60 racers will be $2,500 and it will go up from there!
Childcare is a major challenge in our community and our event hopes to play a small part in raising funds for children from all backgrounds to enjoy the outdoors.
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