Yellowbrick Backyard Ultra

About the Event

The Yellowbrick Backyard Ultra takes place on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at 8:00 AM at Kinsey Park (7999 W Southport Road) in Peoria, Illinois. This is Central Illinois' only backyard ultra — a last runner standing event with a 4.16 mile yard starting every hour, on the hour, until only one runner remains.

Race Format
4.16 mile loop • Starts every hour on the hour • Last runner standing

Course
100% singletrack trail • No roads • No water crossings • Small rolling hills (approx 70' elevation per mile)

Aid Station
Chips, pretzels, cookies, candies, sandwiches, fruit, warm foods (pizza rolls, soups, potatoes, quesadillas, hot dogs) • Water, Gatorade, soda

Event Logistics & Participant Information:

Registration Deadline: Closes Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at 11:59 PM CT.
Packet Pickup: Friday, June 12, 2026, from 4-7 PM, and Saturday morning (race day) from 6:00-7:45 AM at the Start/Finish area.
Arrival Recommendation: Arrive at least 45-60 minutes before race start. Late starts are not permitted due to race format. Carpooling is encouraged.
Race Rules: All runners must be back at the start line on the hour. Each loop starts precisely one hour after the last. 5-minute and 1-minute warnings before each loop start.
Course Restrictions: Except for restrooms, runners may not leave the course until each loop is completed. No pacers allowed. When dropping, runners must notify organizers before returning to vehicle.
Crew & Support: Crew is permitted to assist runners between loops. No pacers on course per standard Backyard Ultra rules.
Refund Policy: No refunds. Runners may defer registration to the following year with ample notice (email required).
Park Access: Park opens to runners from 4-7 PM on Friday and 6 AM on race day to set up stations and pick up packets.
Camping: Not permitted. Hotel options available within 15 minutes of the park.

Swag, Awards & Atmosphere:

All Participants: Receive a T-shirt, sticker, and participant award.
Overall Winner: Award and prize for the last runner standing.
Milestone Bonuses: Extra goodies for runners who reach 50 km, 50 miles, and 100 miles.
Theme & Fun: Wizard of Oz theme adds whimsy — watch for Flying Monkeys on course. Deer, birds, squirrels, and other critters inhabit the park.
Family Friendly: Kids are encouraged to join, cheer, and have fun. This is a family-friendly park and event.
Dog Policy: Dogs are welcome but must remain at the start/finish area, on a leash. Dogs are not allowed to pace runners.
Race Goals: Some runners aim to be last man standing. Others push personal distance records, use as training, enjoy time on feet, or make friends.
Weather Expectation: June average high 83°F / low 62°F. Rain approximately 7 days in June.

The Yellowbrick Backyard Ultra on June 13, 2026, in Peoria, Illinois, is a party without an end time — testing mental and physical toughness on a whimsical 100% singletrack course.

Races Offered

Backyard Ultra ( 4.16 mi loop )

Jun 13, 2026

straighten

Distance — 4.16 mi

terrain

Type — Running

timer

08:00

sell

$95.00

Weather History

These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for June in Peoria.

thermostat Temperature

18.3° / 28.9°

wb_sunny Feels like

18.0° / 28.2°

light_mode Avg sunshine hours

11h 56m

water_drop Avg rainfall

2.2 mm

ac_unit Avg snowfall

—

air Avg wind speed

11.9 km/h (Light breeze)

opacity Sweat loss rate

High

terrain Course conditions

Hard and dry surface

sunny Max UV Index

Very High (8.0)

humidity_mid Humidity

63.9%

wb_twilight Sunrise

05:27

nightlight Sunset

20:29

About Peoria

Learn more about the host city, Peoria.

Peoria is a city in Illinois and the county seat of Peoria County. It serves as a regional hub for the primarily rural and agricultural center of the state. Peoria is a small but diverse city of approximately 115,000 people that anchors a three-county metropolitan area of nearly 400,000.