Utopia Backyard Ultra 2026
Utopia Backyard Ultra takes place at the Tiffin Centre for Conservation, 8195 8th Line, Utopia. The event uses a loop that must be 4 miles 880 feet in length (6.7056 km). The course runs mostly on maintained crushed gravel trails, with about 2 km of sandier, woody trail on the back quarter. Elevation per loop is no more than 45 m. The route will be marked with arrows, flags, and reflective markers.
Race options
- The Backyard, $185 / $210, camping included, aid station snacks, bamboo t shirt.
- Backyard 24, $185 / $210, closed 24 hour format, camping included.
- Backyard 12, $120 / $140, closed 12 hour format, camping included.
- Backyard 6, $80 / $95, closed 6 hour format, camping included.
The Backyard Ultra format requires one loop every hour, with each loop starting exactly one hour after the previous start. Each loop must be completed within the hour to count. Personal aid during a loop is not allowed; common aid stations are permitted. Competitors must remain on course except for restroom use. Artificial aids such as trekking poles are not permitted. The winner is the last person to complete a loop; if no runner completes one more loop than others, there is no winner. Fixed-hour Backyard events up to 24 hours name finishers or DNFs rather than a winner.
On site services include potable water, limited electricity, snacks, electrolytes, and special treat hours. Some awards include belt buckles for 24 continuous hours or 100 miles, a unique challenge coin for 100 km, and a bamboo t shirt. Registration is listed as sold out and closed. No deferrals or refunds are offered; transfers to another racer are allowed until the day before the event. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
How does a Backyard Ultra Work?
The Rules
- Course
Loop or out and back
Must be 4 miles 880 feet in length
Metric equivalent 6.7056 kilometers - Starting Corral
Measured to fit entire starting field
Corral stays the same size thru out the event
Participants must be in the starting corral at the bell - Starts
Each loop starts precisely 1 hour after the last
Warning must be given 3, 2, and 1 minutes prior to start
All competitors must start at the bell (no late starts) - Loops
Except for restrooms, competitor may not leave the course until each loop is completed
No non-competitors on the course (including eliminated runners)
No personal aid during a loop (common aid stations are allowed)
Each loop must be completed within an hour to be counted… including the final lap.
No artificial aids (including trekking poles)
Slower runners must allow passes. - Timing
Timing of the loops is optional - Winner/Results
The winner is the last person to complete a loop
All others are technically DNF
Results of each runner in terms of distance covered are to be given.
If no runner can complete one more loop than anyone else, there is no winner. - Cap
Race must be open-ended.
Backyard Fixed Hour Rules
Backyard Races with a defined finish up to 24 hours may be held
These races are named according to their length (Backyard 6 for 6 hours, etc)
No winner is named. Participants either finish or DNF
All other Backyard Rules apply.
If a Backyard 24 is held in conjunction with a Backyard Ultra all participants of both events must start at the same time.
Getting Here
Tiffin Centre for Conservation, 8195 8th Line, Utopia. The Tiffin Centre is a spectacular place for a walk on looped trails that meander through a mixture of wetlands, forests, open meadows and ancient lake beds. The course is going to be relatively flat with 1 tiny out and back section but otherwise a no-repeat loop.
2025 Race Guide
On Race Day: We have the FULL Group Camping area to use for the Backyard. All races start at 6:00am. Potable water & Electricity (limited juice) are available. Snacks, e