Grassroots Backyard Ultra

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.

Timed Events

• 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.

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!

Race Rules

• Runners are required to run 6.71 kilometres within one [1] hour.
• A new lap starts at the top of each hour.
• Runners are NOT allowed to receive ANY aid while they are on course.
• The last runner must complete one additional lap.
• Age limit: must be 16 years old or older [on race day] to participate.