Rocky's Backyard Ultra is a 4.167 mile trail loop consisting of gravel, double track 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
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
Weather & Conditions
Late 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
Rules
- Race begins promptly at 8AM
- 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
- Rocky's Backyard is a qualifier for the World Championship at Big's Backyard in Tennessee - for more details see here
Registration Fees & Cancellation
Registration fees:
Backyard Ultra - $110
One Banger (single lap) - $40
Email Kevin@runningwildusa.com for special pricing if you are an Estes Valley Student or Estes Valley Trail Runners member.
Your registration fee helps us pay for the costs of race production. This money is spent long before you arrive at the start line.
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 direct link to this policy. If you disagree with this policy; please don't register.
Backyard Ultra - $110
One Banger (single lap) - $40
Email Kevin@runningwildusa.com for special pricing if you are an Estes Valley Student or Estes Valley Trail Runners member.
Your registration fee helps us pay for the costs of race production. This money is spent long before you arrive at the start line.
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 direct link to this policy. If you disagree with this policy; please don't register.
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.