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 limits of challenge. 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 - That's our gnarly course. Just imagine a flatter, wider, friendlier course with no rocks roots or obstacles:
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! Yes, it's even flatter now!
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...
