Prairie Nightmare Backyard Ultra: Echo Valley Provincial Park
The event takes place at Echo Valley Provincial Park, using the Overflow Campground area near Fort Qu'Appelle, Saskatchewan. The course is a gentle trail loop of 6.706 km that must be completed within the allotted time for each lap.
The format is a Backyard Ultra in the Last Person Standing style: runners repeat the same loop each hour and continue hourly until the last runner concedes or fails to finish a lap within the time limit. Runners must be at the start line and begin their lap when the start whistle is blown; failure to do so results in a DNF.
A Prairie Daydream option offers an introduction to Backyard-style races and trail running. Daydream participants run the same loop and may choose to begin later in the day, with a latest permitted start in the afternoon. They may complete from one to five consecutive laps without pressure to continue; extending beyond five laps can be allowed by the race director depending on the race stage.
Runners have a designated area for gear and crew. Camping is available for the race weekend and park check-in is not required before arrival. There is a race day fee of CA$20 for trailers and CA$10 for tent or car camping. The event is cupless; participants should bring refillable bottles or cups. Runners are expected to supply their own food and drink; the park water is drinkable. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.