Yellowbrick Backyard Ultra

About Yellowbrick Backyard Ultra

Welcome to Peoria’s newest foot race and the only backyard ultra in Central Illinois – a party without an end time…Let’s go!! The race will be hosted at Kinsey Park in Peoria. This park has a whimsical Wizard of Oz theme to add to the fun and the route picked will be a pretty 100% single track trail with no roads or water crossings. Kinsey has plenty of deer, birds, squirrels and other critters, but you’ll also need to keep your eyes open for the Flying Monkeys.

Race Format

The Yellowbrick Backyard Ultra will be a "last runner standing” event with a 4.16 mile "yard" starting every hour, on the hour, until there is only one remaining. Runners who do not make it back in time from their previous loop or are not at the start line on the hour to start their next loop will be out of the race. Runners must choose how they wish to complete their lap – faster laps allow for more resting time between laps but take more energy to complete. Slower laps allow runners to conserve energy but sacrifice less rest time. Either way, this race will be just as much about mental toughness as it is physical. Like most backyard events, some runners will come with the goal of being the ‘last man standing’, while others will come to push themselves farther than they have gone before, use this as a training run for an upcoming event, or just to get some time on their feet while hanging out with friends and making new friends.

Race Rules

• All runners must be back at the start line on the hour
• Each loop starts precisely an hour after the last
• There will be a 5-minute and 1 minute warning prior to the start of each loop
• Except for restrooms, runners may not leave the course until each loop is completed
• No pacers
• When dropping, you must notify us before returning to your vehicle

Packet Pickup

Friday 12th June 4-7pm, and Saturday morning (race day) from 6.00-7.45am at the Start/Finish. https://maps.app.goo.gl/GVoRmdqJqsmnqa9x9

It is recommended to arrive at least 45 minutes to an hour before the race begins to ensure a stress-free and smooth start. If carpooling is an option, that would be helpful also. Due to the race format, late starts are not permitted.

Swag & Awards

All runners will receive a T-shirt, sticker and participant award. There will be an award and a prize for the overall winner, and extra goodies for people who reach the 50k, 50 mile and 100 mile distances.

FAQs

1. Can I bring my dog? Pooches are more than welcome at the race but they must remain at the start/finish area, on a leash and are not allowed to pace their humans.
2. Can I have pacers? No pacers are allowed on the course (per standard Backyard Ultra rules); however you may bring a crew to aid you in between loops.
3. Is the course hilly? This section of the trail has some small rolling hills. Elevation gain for this loop is approximately 70’ per mile.
4. What will the weather be like? Peoria IL Weather Averages for June: High 83 Degrees/Low of 62 Degrees. Rain 7 days.
5. What food will be at the aid station? The aid station will be well stocked with chips, pretzels, cookies, candies, sandwiches, fruit, and warm foods (such as pizza rolls, soups, potatoes, quesadillas, hot dogs) as the race progresses. There will be water, Gatorade and soda.
6. Are kids welcome? Yes, this is a family friendly park and event. Kids are encouraged to join in the fun and cheer you on between loops.
7. Will camping be possible? Camping is not permitted, however there are plenty of hotel options within a 15-minute drive of the park. The park will open to runners from 4-7pm on Friday and 6am on race day to set up their ‘station’ and pick up their packet.
8. If I can’t make it, can I get a refund? There will be no refunds, but runners may defer their registration to the next year with ample notice. Please email me to arrange this if necessary.