Keji's Backyard Ultra 2026

The 5th annual Keji's Backyard Ultra 2026 takes place on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at 9:00 AM ADT starting from the Jim Charles Point parking lot at 2 Jeremys Bay Campground Rd in Annapolis County, Nova Scotia, Canada, within Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site. This Bronze Ticket Event challenges runners to complete a 6.67km out-and-back gravel trail loop every hour on the hour until only one runner remains, with the winner receiving a prize package and all participants enjoying a super fun format for logging big mileage with great people on a beautiful and easy course.

Event Logistics and Participant Information:

• Race Check-In: Friday, June 5, 2026, from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM, and Saturday, June 6, from 7:30 AM to 8:45 AM.
• Pre-Race Meeting: Saturday, June 6, at 8:50 AM (mandatory for all runners).
• Race Start: 9:00 AM sharp. Runners have one hour to complete each 6.67km loop. If you finish before the hour, you rest until the next loop starts at the top of the next hour. This continues hourly until only one runner can complete a loop under one hour.
• Course: Out-and-back on easy gravel trail with approximately 35 metres of elevation gain per loop. Start, finish, and registration are at the Jim Charles Point parking lot.
• Capacity: The race is capped at 150 runners. The main event is currently sold out; a waitlist is available.
• Refund Policy: 75% refund available up to March 1, 2026. 50% refund available up to May 15, 2026.
• Transfers: No transfers are allowed due to the waitlist system.
• Deferrals: Deferrals are allowed if the participant volunteers for a 6-hour shift at the 2026 event.
• Volunteers: The event seeks 20 volunteers for various shifts. Volunteers receive event swag and a free entry into Keji's Backyard Ultra the following year.
• Carbon Offsetting: Participants are encouraged to use the Tree Canada carbon calculator to offset travel emissions by planting trees.
• Amenities in Proximity: Bathrooms and showers are 12 metres from start/finish. Beach/lake access is 65 metres. Lakeview Cafe & Eatery is 10km away inside the park. Groceries, pharmacy, and additional cafes are 25–26km away in Caledonia. Nearest gas station is 54km away (Lequille Irving).

Route and Atmosphere:

• Scenic Highlights: The course runs entirely within Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site, offering beautiful natural surroundings on an easy gravel trail.
• Terrain: Out-and-back gravel path with gentle elevation changes (~35m per loop). The surface is forgiving and accessible, ideal for high-mileage endurance efforts.
• Format: This is a last-person-standing backyard ultra. Each loop must be completed in under one hour to continue. The race ends when only one runner can finish a loop within the hour limit. This format encourages socializing, strategy, and camaraderie between loops.
• Prizing: The winner receives a cash prize. The assist (last non-winner) receives a cash prize. The top female finisher also receives a cash prize. Updated prizing was announced as of October 23, 2025.
• Volunteer Recognition: Volunteers from the 2025 event, along with the top female and top male finishers from 2025, receive free entry to the 2026 event.
• Swag: All participants receive a custom Ciele NSTR running hat and eligibility for draw prizes.
• Community Atmosphere: Described as a super fun way to log big mileage with great people. The between-loop rest periods create a social, supportive, and low-pressure environment unique to the backyard ultra format.
• Spectator Experience: Spectators can enjoy the park setting, beach access, and cheer from the start/finish area as runners complete each loop.
• Sustainability: The event encourages carbon offsetting and takes place within a protected national park, emphasizing respect for nature and minimal environmental impact.

Keji's Backyard Ultra 2026 invites runners to experience the unique last-person-standing format on the beautiful gravel trails of Kejimkujik National Park – a 5th annual Bronze Ticket event where camaraderie, endurance, and the great outdoors come together in Nova Scotia.