Grassroots Backyard Ultra
The 2026 GrassRoots Backyard Ultra: Our 5th Anniversary Edition
The GrassRoots Backyard Ultra is back for its fifth instalment on Saturday, June 27, 2026 in Okotoks, Alberta.
Okotoks sits just 20 minutes south of Calgary, and our 6.71 km loop takes you along the scenic Sheep River pathway with a touch of single-track dirt trail and 34 meters of gain. It’s an open public course—flat, fast, and built for pushing limits. Over the past four years, we’ve seen runners smash milestones and go farther than they thought possible. More than half of the 2024 field hit 15 loops (that’s 100 km).
And this year, we’re celebrating big. To mark five years of GrassRoots BYU, the Last Person Standing won’t just walk away with the epic trophy and bragging rights—they’ll also snag $500, plus an extra $250 if they set a new course record.
The mark to beat? 35 loops, set by Preston Schaffer in August 2024.
Timed Events
TIMED EVENTS – LIMITED CAPACITY
Our timed events are back for those chasing distance milestones, but spots are limited:
BACKYARD15 [BY15] — 15 hours, 100.65 km
BACKYARD24 [BY24] — 24 hours, 100 miles
Timed runners will share the same 6.71 km loop and follow the same rules as the Backyard format. But here’s the catch: each timed event has a strict registration cap. Once they’re full, that’s it.
We encourage as many runners as possible to test themselves in the full Backyard Ultra format—it’s where breakthroughs happen. Whether your milestone is 100 km, 100 miles, or your first loop beyond what you thought was possible, the Backyard is built for it.
Visiting Okotoks
For those travelling in from out of town, the course is located near local hotels, restaurants, family recreation and amenities, and the Lions Park campground is just across the river. When you're done racing, plan a trip over to BANFF and take in the Rockies!
**This course is all on public pathways; therefore, an OPEN COURSE.
Race Rules
• Runners are required to run 6.71 kilometres within one [1] hour. If a runner does not complete the loop within the timeframe allotted, the runner will not be allowed to continue and is a DNF.
•A new lap starts at the top of each hour.
•Warning whistles will be given 3, 2, and 1 minute prior to start of each lap.
•All competitors must start moving forward at the bell. Late start results in disqualification.
•Runners are required to be in the starting corral before the start of the next lap. If a runner fails to make their way into the starting corral before the bell has sounded to start the next lap, the runner will not be allowed to continue and is a DNF.
•Runners are NOT allowed to receive ANY aid while they are on course. This starts the moment the bell sounds. Should the Race Director determine that a runner has received aid, the runner will be disqualified from the race.
•The last runner must complete one additional lap, a victory lap if you will, to be named the winner. All other runners DNF [Did Not Finish].
• Age limit: must be 16 years old or older [on race day] to participate.
Registration
Mark your calendars—registration opens September 15, 2025 and closes May 31, 2026 (or sooner if spots fill up). Don’t wait until the last minute—the Backyard isn’t just about running, it’s about committing early and showing up ready.
Backyard Ultra (Last Person Standing)
Early Bird: $175
Regular: $200
Backyard 15 (BY15 – 15 hours / 100 km)
Early Bird: $130
Regular: $155
Backyard 24 (BY24 – 24 hours / 100 miles)
Early Bird: $155
Regular: $180
⚡ Pro Tip: Our TIMED EVENTS (BY15 & BY24) have limited capacity. Once they’re full, that’s it. If you’ve got your eye on a milestone like 100 km or 100 miles, register early to secure your spot.
For everyone else—if you want the true Backyard experience, step into the Backyard Ultra format. It’s where personal bests get redefined, where grit takes over, and where you’ll find out just how far you can go.
First bell rings at 7:00 a.m. June 27, 2026. Will you be there?
No Refunds
There are no refunds for this event. Registrations can be transferred to another runner until 11:59 p.m. on June 1, 2026. There will be a $20 administration fee. Transfers can be request by email at grassrootsracing.ca@gmail.com
Event's current local time: 1:35 AM MT
