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
2025 Photo Album
Packet Pickup
Friday, October 10th 4-6pm
Estes Park Mountain Shop
Course
Rocky's Backyard is hosted on trails bordering Rocky Mountain National Park with roughly 500' of vertical gain per yard. Expect epic views of Long's Peak & Twin Sisters mountain ranges.
Strava map 2025 Course
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 - $100 early bird
$110 after Jan 1, 2026, $120 after May 1, 2026, $130 after Sept 29, 2026
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
2025 19 yard - Connor Quinn
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
2025 Photo Album
Packet Pickup
Friday, October 10th 4-6pm
Estes Park Mountain Shop
Course
Rocky's Backyard is hosted on trails bordering Rocky Mountain National Park with roughly 500' of vertical gain per yard. Expect epic views of Long's Peak & Twin Sisters mountain ranges.
Strava map 2025 Course
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 - $100 early bird
$110 after Jan 1, 2026, $120 after May 1, 2026, $130 after Sept 29, 2026
Includes:
- Custom Fractel hat
- DNF or finishers award
- Stocked aid station
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
2025 19 yard - Connor Quinn
2024 29 yard - Simon Pfreundschuh
2023 25 yards - Tim Pearl
Lodging
Our lodging partner is Expedition Lodge
They are offering our runners 15% off!
Expedition Lodge Booking link
They are offering our runners 15% off!
Expedition Lodge Booking link
