Prairie Chaos Backyard Ultra
Welcome to Prairie Chaos, Manitoba’s newest Backyard Ultra, all within the City of Winnipeg! It will be a true test of grit, patience, and relentless forward motion. Set in the prairie charm of Little Mountain Park, the course is a 6.706 km (4.167 mile) loop of pure trail bliss. Runners will wind through a dynamic mix of open prairie and shaded forest, navigating the ever-changing rhythm of roots, rocks, and some rolling terrain. Expect wide open skies, twisted woodland paths, and a beautiful course that keeps you motivated on every lap.
This is an official Backyard Ultra—runners have one hour to complete each loop. Finish the loop before the hour is up, and you earn the right to start the next one. Miss the bell? You’re out. The chaos continues until only one runner remains. There’s no finish line—just you, the trail, and the will to keep going. Are you ready to embrace the chaos?
The Details
- Date: Saturday, August 15, 2026
- Start Time: 7:00 AM
- Location: Little Mountain Park, Farmer Road, Winnipeg, MB
This race is an official Backyard Ultra, and every participant's yards will be included in the "At Large" category for Big's Backyard Ultra. Participants will all receive a bib for the race, a pair of race socks and a race Buff, and a "Did Not Finish" medal. The sole winner of the event will get a distinctive prize, celebrating their grit and tenacity! Participants will each get their own space by the start/finish line for their personal station/camp. There is enough space by the corral start/finish area for each person to have their own crew setup/tent area. Participants and their crew can start setting up their spot at 5:00am on August 15. There will be an aid station with typical ultramarathon fare provided during the race. Water, an electrolyte drink, along with sweet & salty snacks will be available. Some warm food will be available overnight. Participants are highly encouraged to be self-sufficient and bring their preferred hydration and nutrition, as supplies will be limited.
Parking
There is a fairly sizable parking lot (~40 spots) close to the the start/finish area on Farmer Road. There is additional parking in a parking lot off of Klimpke Road, and along the side of Farmer Road (by the start/finish corral). Please consider carpooling, as there won't be enough room for each participant to bring their own vehicle.
Facilities
There is an indoor lodge that is close to the start/finish area. It includes 4 lavatories with flushing toilets and sinks. There is also a small sheltered indoor area in this lodge, with a water fountain. The course intentionally goes by this structure early in each yard, and near the end of each yard to allow participants options for "luxury" washroom stops. This lodge will only be available for use between 7am & 10pm. There will be portable toilets staged close to the start/finish area.
Backyard Ultra Rules
- Course: - Length per loop is 6.7056 kilometers
- Starting Corral: - Participants must be inside the starting corral at the start of each loop when the bell rings.
- Starts: - Each Yard starts precisely one hour after the last. - Warning with whistle blasts will be given 3, 2, and 1 minutes before the bell. - All competitors must start at the bell (No late starts), and move forward out of the starting corral.
- Yards: - Except for restroom breaks a competitor cannot leave the course until the Yard is complete - No non-competitors on the course (including eliminated runners) - No personal aid during a Yard - Each Yard must be completed in less than an hour to be counted - No artificial aids (including trekking poles) - Slower runners must yield/allow passes
