Great Lawn Backyard Ultra

ABOUT THE RACE

After a successful CT123 in April we welcome you to the inaugural year of the Great Lawn Backyard Ultra! The Great Lawn Park Backyard Ultra invites ultrarunners to test their limits in a classic backyard format right in the heart of Fairfield County, Connecticut. Scheduled for November 14, this inaugural event challenges participants to conquer a scenic and iconic 4.2-mile loop hour after hour until only one runner remains. As with most races, this is a NO-REFUND event. We do allow rollovers upon request. Please inquire with Evan (race director) at [email protected] to start your request.

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Set against the stunning backdrop of Cranbury Park, the course takes runners through a mix of historic estate grounds, wooded single-track trails, and manicured park paths. Every hour on the hour, runners will toe the line to complete the exact 4.167-mile loop (the magical distance that equals 100 miles over 24 laps). Course Direction Twist: To keep things fresh and dynamic, the route will switch directions every 4 hours! Alternating clockwise and counter-clockwise loops every four hours completely changes the character of the trails, tests your agility, and levels the playing field for all competitors. Expect classic late-autumn New England scenery, crisp November air, and a spectator-friendly environment where crew and supporters can cheer you on at the start/finish corral after every single lap. Elevation changes are rolling and manageable, keeping a steady rhythm achievable lap after lap.

AID STATION & SUPPORT

Because this is a backyard ultra, the central aid station and runner village are located right at the start/finish area. Runners have access to their personal setups, crew, and fully stocked race-provided hydration and nutrition after every 4.2-mile loop. Staff and volunteers will be on hand to support runners with water, electrolyte replacement, warm food, and hot drinks as the November temperatures drop into the night. Crew access is fully permitted in the designated basecamp area between laps.

FORMAT AND RULES

The rules of the Backyard Ultra are simple yet brutal: - The Bell: Exactly on the hour, every hour, a bell rings signaling the start of the next lap. - The Starting Corral: All runners must be in the starting corral when the bell rings. No late starters. - The Pace: Runners have 60 minutes to complete the 4.2-mile loop, which includes time for refueling, changing clothes, and mental prep. Any remaining time before the next hour is yours to rest. - The Last Person Standing: The event continues hour after hour until only one runner successfully completes a lap under their own power within the hour time limit. That runner is crowned the winner.

PRACTICAL DETAILS & LOGISTICS

- Date: November 14 - Location: Cranbury Park, 191 Grumman Ave, Norwalk, CT 06850 - Registration: Early registration is strongly encouraged as field size is limited for our inaugural year. - Weather & Gear: November in Connecticut is notoriously brisk and unpredictable. Runners should come fully prepared for cold weather, wind, and potentially freezing nighttime temperatures. Pack plenty of warm layers, thermal change clothes, heavy-duty jackets, gloves, beanies, and reliable headlamps with extra batteries.