Grassroots Backyard Ultra
The GrassRoots Backyard Ultra returns for its sixth running on Saturday, June 26, 2027, and we can't wait to welcome both familiar faces and first-time Backyard runners to the start line.
Located just 20 minutes south of Calgary, Okotoks is home to our scenic 6.71 km course that winds along the beautiful Sheep River pathway, mixes in a touch of single-track trail, and features 34 metres of elevation gain each loop. It's a fast, runnable course that rewards consistency, grit, and the willingness to answer one simple question every hour:
Can you do one more loop?
The 2026 edition reminded us just how special this event has become. Ninety-two runners stepped into the start corral, and 42 completed at least 15 hours (100 kilometres). Our youngest participant was 20 years old, our oldest was an inspiring 73 years young, proving that the Backyard format welcomes runners of every age and ability.
Over the years, we've watched first-time Backyardigans discover what they're capable of, seasoned veterans dig deeper than ever before, and countless personal milestones achieved one yard at a time.
The course record still stands at 35 loops, set by Preston Schaffer in 2024. Will 2027 be the year someone rewrites the record books? We'd love to find out.
Whether you're chasing a personal best, your first 100K, or simply wondering how many loops you have in you, there's only one way to find out.
One More Loop.
Timed Events
LIMITED SPOTS
Not quite ready to chase the "last runner standing" title? Our timed events are back for runners with big distance goals—but capacity is limited.
BACKYARD15 (BY15) — 15 Hours | 100.65 km
BACKYARD24 (BY24) — 24 Hours | 100 Miles
Timed event participants will run the same 6.71 km loop, start on the hour alongside every Backyard runner, and follow the same Backyard rules. The only difference? Your finish line is defined by the clock.
Spots in both timed events are strictly capped, and once they're gone, they're gone.
That said, if you're on the fence, consider taking on the full Backyard Ultra.
It's where the magic happens. Where goals become possibilities, strangers become your biggest cheerleaders, and you discover you're capable of far more than you ever imagined.
Whether you're chasing your first 100K, your first 100 miles, a personal best, or simply wondering if you've got one more loop in you, the Backyard is where unforgettable stories are written.
How far can you go?
Visiting Okotoks
Travelling to GrassRoots? Make a vacation of it.
Located just 20 minutes south of Calgary, Okotoks offers everything you need for a race weekend, with hotels, restaurants, coffee shops, grocery stores, family-friendly attractions, and all the essentials just minutes from the course. If you prefer to stay close to the action, Lions Campground is located just across the river from the start/finish area.
And when the final bell rings, you're only a short drive from some of Alberta's most iconic destinations. Extend your adventure with a trip to Banff, Canmore, or Kananaskis and experience the breathtaking Canadian Rockies.
Race Rules
• Runners are required to run 6.71 kilometres within one [1] hour. If a runner does not complete the loop within the timeframe allotted, the runner will not be allowed to continue and is a DNF.
•A new lap starts at the top of each hour.
•Warning whistles will be given 3, 2, and 1 minute prior to start of each lap.
•All competitors must start moving forward at the bell. Late start results in disqualification.
•Runners are required to be in the starting corral before the start of the next lap. If a runner fails to make their way into the starting corral before the bell has sounded to start the next lap, the runner will not be allowed to continue and is a DNF.
•Runners are NOT allowed to receive ANY aid while they are on course. This starts the moment the bell sounds. Should the Race Director determine that a runner has received aid, the runner will be disqualified from the race.
•The last runner must complete one additional lap, a victory lap if you will, to be named the winner. All other runners DNF [Did Not Finish].
• Age limit: must be 16 years old or older [on race day] to participate.
Registration
Registration for the 2027 GrassRoots Backyard Ultra opens on August 4, 2026.
We're opening registration earlier than ever before for one simple reason: you asked us to.
The 2026 race featured our deepest field yet and sold out well before race day. The waitlist filled quickly, and after hearing so many of you say, "We'll be back next year," we wanted to give everyone the best possible opportunity to claim a spot on the start line.
Registration will remain open until the event reaches capacity or registration closes prior to race day—whichever comes first. If GrassRoots is on your calendar for 2027, don't wait.
Planning to tackle BY15 or BY24? Our timed events have a limited number of entries, and once those spots are filled, they're gone.
Whether you're returning to see if there's one more loop in you, chasing your first 100K or 100 miles, or experiencing the Backyard format for the very first time, we'd love to welcome you to the start line.
The first bell rings at 7:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 26, 2027.
Will you answer the bell?
No Refunds
There are no refunds for this event. Like many races, a significant portion of the costs required to host the GrassRoots Backyard Ultra are committed months in advance — including permits, logistics, supplies, equipment, and other race-day preparations. For this reason, we are unable to offer refunds once registration is completed.
We understand that life happens and plans can change. To provide some flexibility, registrations may be transferred to another runner until 11:59 p.m. on June 1, 2027. A $20 administration fee will apply, and all transfer requests must be submitted by email to grassrootsracing.ca@gmail.com.
Event's current local time: 9:42 AM MT
