MetroWest Backyard Ultra

5th Annual Metrowest Backyard Ultra Sat-Sun, Sept 26-27, 2026 _____________________________________________________________________________ Race info: https://sites.google.com/site/needhamrunningclub Registration link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/metrowest-backyard-ultra-2026-tickets-1988694250036?aff=oddtdtcreator Get ready for an unforgettable day of running, camaraderie, and challenge as you take on our exciting 4.17 mile loop in the unique Backyard Ultra format. The race will test your endurance and determination as you tackle loop after loop until only one runner remains standing! We are especially encouraging runners who have never done a Backyard Ultra to run 1 loop, or 2 loops, or more just to dip your toe into this format. Location: 1 Nobscot Rd, Sudbury, MA 01776 The Nobscot Scout Reservation (new better location) Date: Start 8:00am, Saturday, September 26, 2026 · Registration Fee: $40 o For credit card use please use the Eventbrite link. o If you want to use Venmo – it is William-Gallagher-40. o Limited race-day registration will be cash/check/Venmo ($60) if space remains available. * No refunds. Race Bib pick-up: Starting at 6:00am Please sign and bring this required release form to the race. HERE. This will speed up race morning registration. Race Format: Backyard Ultra. Starting at 8:00am, everyone will start a 4.17 mile forested loop at the top of the hour. That loop must be completed before the start of the next hour. You may run your loop fast or slow, but most people aim for about 50 minutes. Any ‘extra’ time before the start of the next loop is spent refueling, drinking, resting, etc. If a runner does not complete the loop by the top of the hour - they are out. There will be one winner and everyone else will be a proud DNF. The winner - and only true finisher - is the last person completing a full lap by themself. Additional Race Information: Race course: The route and start location are different than in previous years. The course is all on trails. It is about 60% fire road and 40% single track. Some rocks and roots are in the trail, so use caution! Elevation change is a little under 350 ft per lap. This is a challenging but fun course due to the elevation change. There will be orange yard marking flags every 50-100 yards to guide you along the course. Here is the GPX file for the Ultra. In progress Parking: Parking is at the Nobscot Scout Reservation and space is limited. You will enter the reservation where you see a large Totem pole. People with orange vests and red flags to direct you to a parking spot. Some overflow parking - about 20 spaces - is available south of the reservation entrance at a pull-out on the west side of Nobscot/Edgell Road. Please carpool if you can. Any support personnel should drive with you. Food and water: Water will be available at the start area. Bring your own food. We will have some emergency supplies if you run out. You may use a camping stove, but no open fires. A canopy to fill out the day of registration form and sign the waiver form. Everyone will need to sign both forms. We will have course maps and a Venmo QR code for processing the race fee, if you are signing up on Saturday. Registration: A registration canopy will be present to fill out the day-of registration forms and sign the waiver forms. Everyone will need to sign both forms. Venmo, check or cash can be used for any day-of registration that is still available. Pre-registration is more reliable if you want to guarantee entry. We will have printed course maps available. Tent city/support area: You will be able to use some space on a grassy knoll behind the totem pole for your support area. You can spread out and set up your gear, chair, canopy, tent, blanket, etc. Space is limited, so expect close neighbors. Supplies: Bring whatever you think you will need for the duration of your run. Please bring a head lamp if you have any chance of starting the 6pm loop. You may use hiking poles due to the amount of climbing and rough terrain (hiking poles are not allowed under standard Back Yard Ultra rules though). Having a friend at your support area has been helpful to some – especially if you are planning to run into the night. Rules: See this link for the official Backyard Ultra rules. In general, most of these rules apply, but we do want a relaxed and forgiving atmosphere. RULES We will have a great event for you, so bring your friends and relatives and have them sign up and run 1-2 or 3 loops with you. #MetroWestBackyardUltra #RunTheLoop #EnduranceChallenge #RunningCommunity #NeedhamRunningClub