Grand Valley Backyard

NEW RACE. EXPERIENCED BACKYARD ORGANIZERS.

Colorado's newest Backyard Ultra — from the team behind Eternal Damnation Backyard and The Last Cowboy Backyard. Grand Valley Backyard is Ultraverse's third Backyard Ultra in three different states. We've taken what we've learned producing this format and brought it home to Western Colorado.

HOW FAR CAN YOU GO?

Grand Valley Backyard is a traditional Backyard Ultra: 4.17 miles every hour, every runner starting together, continuing until only one runner remains. But you do not have to be chasing the overall win to have a reason to show up. Set your own goal — one loop, 50K, 50 miles, 100 miles or beyond — and find out what you are capable of. Every runner’s official UltraSignup result will show the distance they achieved, and every runner who completes at least one loop earns a distance-specific finisher buckle recognizing that mileage.

HOW THE BACKYARD FORMAT WORKS

Every hour, all remaining runners start a 4.17-mile loop together. Finish the loop within the hour and you're eligible to start the next one. Miss the cutoff or choose not to continue, and your race is over. The race continues until only one runner completes a final loop. SIMPLE RULES. NO PREDETERMINED FINISH LINE. JUST KEEP GOING.. For an official list of Backyard rules see https://bigsbackyardultra.com/rules/

SWAG

Every runner who completes at least one loop will earn a custom finisher buckle recognizing the distance they achieved. Runners will also receive a high-quality tri-blend race shirt, Ultraverse race sticker, and drawstring bag.

THE COURSE

Grand Valley Backyard takes place on a 4.17-mile loop at the 18 Road trail system in Western Colorado. The course is mostly singletrack with some doubletrack and absolutely no pavement. Each loop has approximately 500 feet of elevation gain, with almost all of the climbing coming in the first half. The course is entirely runnable and non-technical. FAST ENOUGH TO KEEP YOU COMING BACK. HARD ENOUGH TO MAKE EVERY LOOP COUNT.

RACE-DAY SETUP & CREW INFORMATION

Water and Proxima C Endurance Fuel will be provided throughout the race. Runners are responsible for bringing any additional food, nutrition, and supplies they may need. There will be plenty of space around the corral and start/finish area to set up your personal race area. CREW & PERSONAL SETUP Crew is welcome and encouraged. Please limit your crew to no more than 3 people. Each runner may use up to a 10' x 10' space near the start/finish area for their personal setup. Pop-up canopies up to 10' x 10' are allowed and must be securely staked or weighted down. POWER & COOKING No electrical service is available for runner setups. Battery power stations are welcome, but gas generators are not permitted in the crew area. Cooking is permitted within your designated crew area. All current local fire restrictions and regulations must be followed at all times.

Deferral & Withdrawal

DEFERRAL & WITHDRAWAL REGISTRATION CREDIT 60+ days before the race: 100% credit 30–59 days before the race: 50% credit 14–29 days before the race: 25% credit Less than 14 days before the race: No credit To avoid being listed as a DNS, you must withdraw at least 3 days before the race. CREDIT POLICY IS FIRM These timelines apply to all runners. We do not make exceptions to the credit policy. HOW TO WITHDRAW Runners must withdraw their own registration through UltraSignup. Sending us an email or message does not withdraw you from the race and will not initiate your registration credit. To withdraw, sign in to UltraSignup, go to your registration history, choose “Edit" on this race, and CANCEL registration. Your credit will be automatically applied according to the deferral timelines. YOUR CREDIT CAN BE USED FOR ANY ULTRAVERSE RACE Registration credit is not limited to Grand Valley Backyard. It may be used toward registration for any Ultraverse race. HOW YOUR CREDIT WORKS Your credit will be attached to your UltraSignup account and will automatically apply when you register for your next Ultraverse race. You must use the same UltraSignup account you used for the original registration. CREDIT DETAILS Your credit will appear in your UltraSignup registration history under “Outstanding Credits and Coupons.” Credits are valid for one year from the date of withdrawal. Credits are tied to your UltraSignup account and cannot be transferred or gifted to another runner. NO REFUNDS NO BIB TRANSFERS