About the race
MOCO Trails Wild West Backyard Ultra
Craig, Colorado — Loudy Simpson Park
August 15, 2026
The MOCO Trails Wild West Backyard Ultra is a community-driven endurance event held at beautiful Loudy Simpson Park in Craig, Colorado along the banks of the Yampa River.
This race follows the classic Backyard Ultra format where runners complete a 4.167 mile loop every hour, on the hour, until only one runner remains.
If you miss the start of a loop, you’re out.
If you cannot complete the loop within the hour, you’re out.
The race continues until there is only one runner left standing.
Whether you’re chasing big miles, testing your mental toughness, or just wanting to experience the Backyard Ultra format for the first time, this event is designed to be challenging, supportive, and incredibly fun.
Key Race Details
Date: August 15, 2026
Location: Loudy Simpson Park – Craig, Colorado
Format: Backyard Ultra
Loop Distance: 4.167 miles per loop
Start Time: 8 AM
Race End: When the last runner standing completes the final loop
Runners start a new loop every hour on the hour until failure or elimination.
Citizens Race
Not quite ready for the full Backyard Ultra experience but still want to be part of the event? We’ve got you.
The Citizens Race is a single-loop option (4.167 miles) that allows runners, walkers, and community members to experience the course without committing to the full Backyard Ultra format.
Participants will complete one full loop of the course through Loudy Simpson Park, following the same scenic route along the Yampa River, through the trees, and across the bridges.
This is a great option for:
• first-time trail runners
• friends and family of Backyard Ultra participants
• walkers and casual runners
• anyone who wants to be part of race day without going all-in
You’ll still get the full experience of:
• the start line energy
• running along the river
• being part of a community event
• cheering on Backyard Ultra runners
The Citizens Race starts 30 minutes after the main event and gives participants a chance to be included in something really special happening in our community.
Whether you’re testing the waters or just showing up for a good time, this loop is for you.
Backyard Ultra
Who This Race Is For
This race is for runners who enjoy a challenge and want to see how far they can push themselves physically and mentally.
The Backyard Ultra format welcomes:
• experienced ultrarunners
• first-time ultra runners
• runners curious about the Backyard format
• runners who enjoy community and camaraderie
Because everyone starts each loop together, the atmosphere is incredibly supportive and social.
Course Description
The course takes runners through the scenic trails of Loudy Simpson Park, following sections of trail along the Yampa River.
The route is primarily dirt trail with a small amount of pavement, making it runnable but still very much a trail experience.
Runners will move through:
• shaded tree-lined sections
• riverside trail along the Yampa
• several small bridges
• open park trail sections
You will be running right alongside the river in several areas, with beautiful views of the water and surrounding landscape.
The course is designed to be challenging but very runnable, which is perfect for the Backyard Ultra format where runners will repeat the loop multiple times throughout the day and night.
Aid Station & Runner Support
The start/finish area will be located at Loudy Simpson Park near the ice arena, where runners will return every loop.
This area will serve as the main aid station and runner camp where participants can set up chairs, tents, or personal gear.
Runners will have access to:
• food and hydration
• rest area between loops
• crew access
• basic first aid if needed
Because of the Backyard Ultra format, runners have time between loops to refuel, rest, and prepare for the next start.
The Experience
This race is about more than miles.
The MOCO Trails Wild West Backyard Ultra is meant to showcase the beauty of Craig, Colorado while bringing runners together for a unique endurance challenge.
Expect:
• incredible Yampa River scenery
• supportive community atmosphere
• long hours on the trail with fellow runners
• the mental challenge of the Backyard format
Whether you last one loop or twenty, the experience is something you won’t forget.
Backyard Ultra Race Rules
The MOCO Trails Wild West Backyard Ultra follows the traditional Backyard Ultra format.
Please read through the rules carefully before race day.
The Basics:
• Each loop is 4.167 miles
• A new loop starts every hour on the hour
• Runners must be in the starting corral when the bell (or start signal) goes off
• If you are not in the corral at the start of a loop, you are not allowed to continue
Loop Completion:
• You must complete each loop within the one-hour time limit
• Any time remaining within the hour is your time to rest, refuel, and prepare
• There are no early starts — all runners begin together each hour
Elimination:
You are out if:
• You do not complete the loop within the hour
• You choose not to start the next loop
• You are not in the starting area when the next loop begins
Winning:
• The race continues until there is only one runner left
• The final runner must complete one more loop alone to be declared the winner
• All other participants are considered DNF (Did Not Finish)
Course Direction:
• Course direction and any changes will be clearly communicated before the race
• Runners must follow the marked course at all times
Support & Crew:
• Crew access is allowed in designated areas at the start/finish
• No outside assistance is allowed on the course unless otherwise stated
Headlamps & Night Running:
• Runners are responsible for their own lighting during night hours
• A headlamp or handheld light is required after dark
Safety:
• This is an endurance event — listen to your body
• Medical support will be available, but runners participate at their own risk
• Race directors reserve the right to remove a runner for safety reasons
This format is as much mental as it is physical.
Pace yourself, take care of yourself, and enjoy the process.
Sponsorship & Community Support
The MOCO Trails Wild West Backyard Ultra is a community-driven event, built by locals who care about bringing something meaningful and fun to Craig and Moffat County.
We are actively seeking local businesses, organizations, and individuals who want to be part of making this event possible.
Sponsorships help support:
• race-day operations
• aid station food and supplies
• participant experience
• community engagement
• future trail and event growth in Moffat County
Why Sponsor?
This event brings together:
• local runners and families
• visiting athletes
• community members
• outdoor enthusiasts
It’s a great way to:
• support a local event
• get your business in front of the community
• be part of something positive and growing
Ways to Get Involved:
We are open to:
• monetary sponsorships
• product donations
• aid station support
• volunteer partnerships
All sponsors will receive recognition through:
• race-day signage
• social media shoutouts
• event promotion
• community visibility
If you’re interested in sponsoring or supporting the event, we would truly appreciate it.
This race is about more than running—it’s about building something for our community.
Sponsorship Levels
- Last loop legend $1,000+
Largest logo on race shirts
Featured logo on banner + start/finish area
Multiple social media shoutouts
Mention in race announcements
Option to set up booth/table
Logo on UltraSignup page
- The bell sponsor $500
Medium logo on race shirts
Logo at start/finish area
Social media shoutouts
Mention during race
- Sunrise supporter $250
Small logo on race shirts
Social media shoutout
Name listed on race page
- Trail crew sponsor
$100 or product donation
Name listed on race materials
Social media thank you
Great for local businesses
- Aid station sponsor
Provide snacks, drinks, or supplies
Signage at aid station
Social media feature
- Add ons
Sponsor a loop hour
Sponsor the final runner bell
Sponsor sunrise loop
Sponsor night miles (headlamp hours)
If you’d like to sponsor or donate, please contact us!
What registration includes
Your registration gets you everything you need for a fun, well-supported day on the trails:
Official Race Bib
Individually assigned for timing, tracking, and race-day identification.
MoCo Trails Race T-Shirt
Custom event shirt (unisex sizing) featuring race branding and select sponsor logos.
Fully Supported Course
Marked route through Loudy Simpson Park with a mix of dirt trail and minimal pavement along the Yampa River.
Aid Station Access
Water, snacks, and basic support available throughout the event.
Post-Race Refreshments
Light snacks and hydration to refuel after your run.
Community Atmosphere
A laid-back, welcoming environment whether you’re running one loop or going all day.
Event's current local time: 4:57 PM MT
