Elevated Life

BackYard Ultra

The backyard ultra is an ultradistance event where each competitor runs laps on a set course of 4.167 miles.

The frontyard Ultra follows the same format, however runners will complete half of the distance (2.08 Miles) at the top of each hour.

All backyard ultras all over the world follow the same rules. At the start of each hour, the runners line up to complete a set loop. A whistle is blown at 3-minutes before the hour, again at 2-minutes before the hour and then at 1-minute before the hour. If a runner is not at the starting line when the next lap begins, they are out. This keeps going until there is only one runner remaining. When the last runner finishes their solo lap, they are declared the winner. All other participants are considered a Did Not Finish (DNF). No ties. If there are no runners that can complete a final lap within the allowed hour, then there is no winner.

Registration for all participants includes:

  • Event Tshirt 

  • Swag Bag

  • Fuel and refreshments at the athlete basecamp

  • Complimentary coffee/espresso by Monumental Coffee Co

Regulations:

  • All athletes will be required to use a headlamp when it is dark.

    No exceptions- headlamps will NOT be provided. Reflective gear + rear lights are highly encouraged but not required. 

  • Runners may use the bathrooms at the athlete basecamp between laps. 

  • Athletes should plan to bring their own chairs/pillows/cots for rest between laps.

  • Athletes should bring additional fuel if standard race fuel (gels, wafers, electrolytes, light pastries, fruit) will not be enough for them.  

  • Pacers ARE allowed but must register if they will be running with athletes for more than 1 lap.

  • Family and friends may join athletes for 1 Encouragement Lap at any time on race day. 

  • Registration will be limited to 60 athletes. 

  • No refunds, No bib transfers.

  • Event organizers have the final say on any disputes.

Not interested in running? Be a volunteer or pledge to donate!

To Pledge: Pick a runner or multiple runners and pledge to donate $1, $5, or $10 for every hour that they run

To Volunteer: Fill out the volunteer form

Volunteers will also receive an event Tshirt.

Proceeds will benifit the Elevated Life Scholarship Fund-

Providing low income youth and adults with gym memberships and sports performance memberships to start and continue their athletic journey in Grand Junction.

Price:

Backyard: $125

Frontyard: $100

To Register on Race Day: $150 at the door

Date and Time:

Saturday, May 2nd - Sunday, May 3rd 

First lap begins at 8am on 5/2. The race ends when there is one person left.

Course: 

Both backyard and frontyard courses will begin and end at the athlete basecamp.

The majority of the loop will be completed on the scenic Colorado River Front Trail, which is a paved, no-gravel path.

Awards:

There will be cash prizes awarded for the winner of the backyard ultra and frontyard ultra. All other participants will receive a DNF medal.

Parking:

There will be limited parking space at & behind the athlete basecamp- 

371 Indian Road Grand Junction, CO

Additional Parking is street parking along Indian Road. 

Athlete Registration
Volunteer
Sponsor