
Buckles for 100 milers & $1,000 cash prize
Rocky's Backyard Ultra is a challenging Ultra Trail race hosted in beautiful Estes Park, Colorado. We strive to host a challenging event that is welcoming and motivating to all. "One More Lap"
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.....
2023 Photo album
2024 Photo Album
Course
by Taylor Bodin
Welcome to Rocky’s Backyard Ultra where the setting is magical and the miles are earned. Our race takes place within the boundaries of the pristine YMCA of the Rockies Estes Park Center which makes Rocky’s, to our knowledge, the highest organized Backyard Ultra in the world!
Much of the course runs the perimeter of Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) and is on 100% genuine Rocky Mountain singletrack. Each lap boasts around 500 feet of gain and equal loss. Being that this course sits between 7,930’ and 8060’, every lap you run will be an achievement.
From camp, you’ll run west toward RMNP and start your first ascent of Rocky’s course. It’s gradual but noticeable. A hairpin turn onto the Glacier Creek Trail will send you downhill along one of the most beautiful and fun segments of trail in the area. The trail runs above/alongside Glacier Creek, which starts in the heart of RMNP. You’ll ebb and flow with the Glacier Creek for about a mile until you leave it to run the Eastern boundary of the YMCA of the Rockies on the Wind River Trail. This is the second noticeable ascent of the loop that will include one stream crossing, beaver ponds, and visiting both sides of Dorsey pond. You’ll likely encounter wildlife along this part of the course too - elk, deer, bear, and many smaller animals are all frequent guests.
With an October race date, you’ll never quite know what to expect. We do know that the fall feels will be on full display. Weather, though, can be a little more temperamental. Race day could be dry and warm or under a foot of snow. Either way, it’s all part of an amazing adventure that awaits you in Rocky’s Backyard Ultra!
Weather & Conditions
October in Rocky can present all four seasons in a day
Average weather is 60s 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.
Rules
Do not rely on the race providing everything you need, especially if you plan to go long.
Our race is cupless.
Always:
Elite runner program:
FREE race entry to any runner who has completed 44 yards or more at any Backyard Ultra* in the last 3 years
50% off race entry to any runner who has completed 36 yards or more at any Backyard Ultra* in the last 3 years
25% off race entry to any runner who has completed 28 yards or more at any Backyard Ultra* in the last 3 years
to receive code please email
[email protected]
*race must be listed on www.backyardultra.com to quality
Registration fees:
Backyard Ultra - $80 + $29 YMCA Day Pass (waived if staying on property or YMCA of the Rockies member)
$90 after Jan 1, 2025, $110 after May 1, 2025
Includes:
Email [email protected] for $20 discount code if you are one or more of the following:
All our races are cupless.
We prefer you to use a cup you already have
Running Wild reusable cups are available for purchase during registration for $5
Volunteering
Running Wild Events Volunteer program
Every 4 hour shift is good for a 50% race credit
Volunteer 8 hours and race for free!
Sign up to volunteer here
Previous Results
2024 29 yard - Simon Pfreundschuh
2023 25 yards - Tim Pearl
Rocky's Backyard Ultra is a challenging Ultra Trail race hosted in beautiful Estes Park, Colorado. We strive to host a challenging event that is welcoming and motivating to all. "One More Lap"
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.....
2023 Photo album
2024 Photo Album
Course
by Taylor Bodin
Welcome to Rocky’s Backyard Ultra where the setting is magical and the miles are earned. Our race takes place within the boundaries of the pristine YMCA of the Rockies Estes Park Center which makes Rocky’s, to our knowledge, the highest organized Backyard Ultra in the world!
Much of the course runs the perimeter of Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) and is on 100% genuine Rocky Mountain singletrack. Each lap boasts around 500 feet of gain and equal loss. Being that this course sits between 7,930’ and 8060’, every lap you run will be an achievement.
From camp, you’ll run west toward RMNP and start your first ascent of Rocky’s course. It’s gradual but noticeable. A hairpin turn onto the Glacier Creek Trail will send you downhill along one of the most beautiful and fun segments of trail in the area. The trail runs above/alongside Glacier Creek, which starts in the heart of RMNP. You’ll ebb and flow with the Glacier Creek for about a mile until you leave it to run the Eastern boundary of the YMCA of the Rockies on the Wind River Trail. This is the second noticeable ascent of the loop that will include one stream crossing, beaver ponds, and visiting both sides of Dorsey pond. You’ll likely encounter wildlife along this part of the course too - elk, deer, bear, and many smaller animals are all frequent guests.
With an October race date, you’ll never quite know what to expect. We do know that the fall feels will be on full display. Weather, though, can be a little more temperamental. Race day could be dry and warm or under a foot of snow. Either way, it’s all part of an amazing adventure that awaits you in Rocky’s Backyard Ultra!
Weather & Conditions
October in Rocky can present all four seasons in a day
Average weather is 60s 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.
Rules
- Race begins promptly at 10AM
- Warning bell 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
Do not rely on the race providing everything you need, especially if you plan to go long.
Our race is cupless.
Always:
- Water
- Electrolyte drink
- Fruit- apples, bananas, etc
- Packaged food
- pickles & pickle juice
- coke
- hot water
- Broth chicken & veggie
- Grilled food - meat & veggie
Elite runner program:
FREE race entry to any runner who has completed 44 yards or more at any Backyard Ultra* in the last 3 years
50% off race entry to any runner who has completed 36 yards or more at any Backyard Ultra* in the last 3 years
25% off race entry to any runner who has completed 28 yards or more at any Backyard Ultra* in the last 3 years
to receive code please email
[email protected]
*race must be listed on www.backyardultra.com to quality
Registration fees:
Backyard Ultra - $80 + $29 YMCA Day Pass (waived if staying on property or YMCA of the Rockies member)
$90 after Jan 1, 2025, $110 after May 1, 2025
Includes:
- Custom Fractel hat
- DNF or finishers award
- Stocked aid station
- YMCA day access for your crew
Email [email protected] for $20 discount code if you are one or more of the following:
- Estes Valley Student
- Estes Valley Trail Runners member
- Running Wild Elite member
- Teacher
- First Responder
- Active duty military
- Veteran
All our races are cupless.
We prefer you to use a cup you already have
Running Wild reusable cups are available for purchase during registration for $5
Volunteering
Running Wild Events Volunteer program
Every 4 hour shift is good for a 50% race credit
Volunteer 8 hours and race for free!
Sign up to volunteer here
Previous Results
2024 29 yard - Simon Pfreundschuh
2023 25 yards - Tim Pearl