Simply the Best... An Ode to Laz race & 2025 Bronze Ticket & the place to go long!
Note: "All in Pricing" shown. As of this year, ultrasignup shows the price INCLUDING THEIR FEES. Our prices have actually dropped for 2025 since we aren't providing food any more - bring your own nutrition - we'll still provide the water and Tailwind.
This is the race for you to set your personal best. You won't find a better course.
Don't know what a backyard is about? It's not just an ultra event, it's a place where every runner of every ability can explore their competitiveness and reach their challenge limits. Whether one, three, or dozens of loops is your goal, the vibe at this race is amazing! We love the Twin Chimneys area for our start/finish, and you will too. It's race luxury.
Expanded bathroom access, close-in parking, and a large roofed structure for relaxation in case you don't like your canopy!
If your lap record PR is your goal, this race is for you. A beautiful closed park course mixes wide, flat trails and multiple surfaces to help you run forever. You will circle beautiful Crooked Lake on an even-footed, roomy cinder path and then turn onto the paved River loop where you will enjoy shaded woods and connect to a 1000+ foot boardwalk through a peaceful waterfowl preserve. Independence Oaks Park in May will provide the cool weather you need to run for days. There is family-friendly camping on-site with modern restroom facilities, hiking, swimming, boat rentals, an interactive nature center and more. This is designed to be the most competitive and enjoyable backyard course in the world. Join the Ode to Laz family and create your Perfect PR!
The course map is here: It is super flat, so don't be fooled by the scale of the elevation profile. Frankly, we can't figure out where the 70-80 feet of elevation gain comes from, but that's what the mapping tools say...
https://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/5530583725/
Don't know what a backyard is about? Whether one, three, or dozens of loops is your goal, the vibe at this race is amazing - this video from our Ode to Laz Backyard Ultra does the trick - Just imagine a flatter, wider, friendlier course with no rocks roots or obstacles:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t8fgOLV8OJc&t=370s
The Rules
Contestants provide their own aid, pacers are not permitted
Crew is permitted, not required. Crew may leave and come back if needed.
Racers are allotted a chair/cooler space within 40 yards of the start/finish line. Bring a sided canopy up to 10’ x 10’ size, one per contestant. While it is first come first served, there will almost certainly be room for all who want a a spot, and many racers are willing to share with those who can't bring shelter.
Permanent park bathrooms will be available and open during the event at the start/finish.
Alcohol is permitted.
Water is provided.
Tailwind is provided.
Racers and crew must bring their own food starting in 2025
No hiking poles, no headphones on trails
Here is our race guide:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qjewT0-yKjl_NLrTyKCt1FneNEOQNgeL/view?usp=sharing
General park rules for Oakland County parks are here:
https://www.oakgov.com/parks/Resources/OCPR%20Rules%20and%20Regulations.pdf
Championship Qualification
We think the Perfect PR is THE BEST way to get an at large bid to the Big's Backyard World Championship, AND its a Bronze qualifier race. You need the biggest lap count, and this is where to do it!
PLUS --- the top 10 finishers in the Perfect PR are guaranteed spots in the 2025 Ode to Laz, the top 3 are guaranteed into the Ode to Laz 2026 Silver Ticket race. See the prizes description.
Race Guide & Info
Learn it all here in the race guide:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qjewT0-yKjl_NLrTyKCt1FneNEOQNgeL/view?usp=sharing
Just want the course?
https://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/5530583725
Camping at Wilderness Campground (tent camping only) is available from Friday afternoon, through Tuesday afternoon. Pay in advance, $6 per person, per night of use. Race participants do not need to pay for nights they are actively running, but should pay for one camp night if they want access to the camper's shower facility
For 2025 We are using the Camp Wilderness section that borders the racecourse! it's a beautiful .9 mile walk from start finish. It has all the modern amenities to keep you comfortable including a heated shower and bathroom building. There is no electric service to tent sites. A parking area is close by for gear dropoff.
One car per active racer can park at the start/finish area. Ample parking for all others is within 500 yards.
Prizes
Every racer gets an amazing Ode Beanie, or Tech hat - it's an Ode to Laz series backyard ultra after all. A performance-inspired hat that will make your running friends envious and be your go-to running hat in the cooler weather. (unless you have other Ode to Laz hats - in which case you'll alternate between them depending on your style preference that day)
The top 10 finishers are guaranteed entry into the 2025 Ode to Laz Michigan Backyard Ultra in July if they want to register
The winner runs free and the assist gets 75% off entry, assist ties receive 50% off entry. The top 2 finishers get guaranteed entry and prime pit area choice if they wish to the 2026 Ode to Laz Silver ticket race. The winner can use their free entry for the 2026 race, and 2nd place including ties get 25% off.
Find Us
See our facebook page with the link above or join our group for the latest info and conversation.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/330827507762495/
Event's current local time: 11:14 PM ET
