CVRR Backyard Ultra 2026
Don’t let the word ULTRA stop you. This is a fun event for everyone!
WHAT IS IT?: So what’s all the excitement about? Beginning every hour, exactly on the hour, participants run a 6.706 km route through the forests, fields, and river trails surrounding the CV Exhibition Grounds. Sounds crazy, doesn’t it? You might ask, “Why this strange distance?” Well, the distance of 6.706 km is called a “yard,” and 24 yards of this distance equal exactly 100 miles over 24 hours. But whether you run one lap or 30, it’s all about having fun, challenging yourself, and doing something together as a running community.
START: 08:00, Saturday, July 25, 2026
FINISH: When only one runner is left! Maximum of 30 yards. If more than one runner remains, there will be a “mystery contest” to decide the winner.
REGISTRATION: Limited to 85 entrants. Must be 12 years or older as per Athletics Canada guidelines. Note that pricing does not include Race Roster service fees.
Restricted to Returning 2025 Entrants with Access Code, November 29 – December 12
Open to Public, December 13
Early Bird, November 29 (6:00 AM) – January 3 (5:59 AM): $35
Regular, January 3 (6:00 AM) – July 1 (5:59 AM): $45
Late, July 1 (6:00 AM) – July 23: $55
Camping July 25, 26: $35/night
TEAMS: Form your team of up to five people. You all start at the same time and count the number of yards that you do individually. Team members don’t all have to do the same number of yards. Encourage each other to see how many total yards you can do as a team. There will be awards for the most yards completed by a team. Gather your friends, and register now as a solo runner or as a team, and join in the fun!
VENUE: This year, we will have the pleasure of competing live at one venue, with all of our running friends. The event venue will be the lower field of the Comox Valley Exhibition Grounds. You can set up your own personal support station in the shady area on the grass at the far side of the field. Water, electricity, and washrooms are available. Camping Friday and Saturday nights are an option, for a small fee.
COURSE: The race route will be on a combination of the soft surfaces of the Horse Track and the River Trails at the Comox Valley Exhibition grounds with very limited running on pavement. It will be well marked, and the first few loops will be marshalled to make sure everyone is familiar with the route. The following video (best played at half speed) will give you an idea of the course:
RULES: Begin the first and each subsequent lap at exactly the top of the hour (not before, not after), until you are no longer willing or able to continue this pattern. When you have completed your last “yard,” you can relax and enjoy the entertainment of watching others continuing to click off their yards.
You must complete the yard within exactly one hour or less for it to count.
The event continues until only one runner is willing to go on. When the winner completes one more yard than any other runner, the race is over. If no runner completes one more yard than another, there is no winner. The maximum number of yards is 30. If more than one runner completes 30 yards, there will be a mystery challenge to decide the winner.
Running with your buddies is okay, but pacing is not permitted
TIMING: There will be an official timing clock at the start line. All runners must be on the line and ready to start exactly on the hour. Each yard must be recorded on the results board as it is completed.
AWARDS: This is strictly a fun event. There is only one award for the overall winner. (Everybody else is a DNF!?) This will be a specially designed wooden medal as well as a plaque on a perennial trophy.
PRIZES: Set your own goals and see how you make out. There will be a number of special prizes throughout the day, including Team, Hummingbird (male and female), and Best Costume.
RECOVERY BREAKS: If you finish before the top of the next hour, take the available time to refuel, have some pizza, take a bathroom break, charge your watch, change your gear, cheer on other competitors, upload your completed laps, nap, or whatever you want, as long as you start the next lap exactly on the hour.
NUTRITION AND HYDRATION: There will be drinking water available at the venue and some surprise snacks will be available for participants and volunteers intermittently during the event. However, each entrant should ensure that they bring adequate nutrition for their own needs.
WHAT SHOULD I BRING?: Well, that depends on how long you will be running. Examples are: a chair, sleeping bag (?), sunscreen, extra clothes and shoes, swim suit and towel, lots of lube, Band-Aids, cell phone and charger, warmer gear for night time runners, head lamp…
TRANSFER: We understand that things change. If you are unable to race, although there are no deferrals or refunds, we will allow you to transfer your registration to another competitor before the cutoff of July 15, 12:00 PM. There will be a small fee payable to Race Roster. Racers must complete this transaction themselves. Simply go to the transfer link on your Race Roster dashboard to complete the process.
BE SAFE: If you are feeling unwell, do not attempt or continue to compete in this event. The event will follow all Provincial Health Orders in place at the time of the event.
CONTACT US: cvrrbyu@gmail.com
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
 
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