Airdrie hosts first-ever Backyard Ultra on July 17
Runners complete a 6.7 km loop every hour until one person remains. Event takes place at Ed Eggerer Park starting at 9 a.m.
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Airdrie is hosting its first-ever Backyard Ultra, an endurance event where runners complete a 6.7 km loop every hour, on the hour, until only one competitor remains.
Taking place on July 17 at Ed Eggerer Park, the run will test participants' limits in a format inspired by the original "Last Man Standing." Runners complete the loop and must return to the start line before the next hour begins. They continue as many times as possible until all but one are unable to finish within the time window. The last person to complete a loop within the time limit is declared the winner; everyone else receives a Did Not Finish (DNF).
"You start with a field of runners, and then as a runner, you have to run a loop and then whatever time that takes you, you have that much time to get back to the line before the start of the next loop, which goes at the next hour," said Race Director Ian Aman. "Over time, the field whittles down to less and less people that can keep going. And once there's one person left, the event's over."
Aman, who has organized similar events in Okotoks and Millerville, emphasized the appeal of pushing beyond familiar distances. "Some people maybe have never gone farther than a marathon or some people have never ran more than a 10 km and they get out there and, you know, double that," he explained. "Most people are not thinking they're going to win it. But it will take people into this uncomfortable place and to a level they never thought possible."
The course loops around Ed Eggerer Park's track and lake, then through a nearby neighbourhood path, with runners returning to the same starting point each loop. The event will feature food trucks and nighttime lighting on the field.
The Backyard Ultra is officially sanctioned through the Backyard Ultra Association, so competitors' results can count toward other events and races. Participation is capped at 100, with just over half the spots filled. The first race begins at 9 a.m. sharp; runners must be ready at the start line before each hour begins. Registration closes when capacity is reached. Details and registration can be found at airdriebyu.com.