All races will share the same start/finish line at Manidokan Retreat Center - 1600 Harpers Ferry Rd. Knoxville, MD.
However, these races run on two entirely separate courses (as per official Backyard Ultra rules and standards for qualification).
However, these races run on two entirely separate courses (as per official Backyard Ultra rules and standards for qualification).
4.167-mile "Official" Backyard Ultra Event:
This is a 2.084 mile out-and-back course.
-From our start/finish pavillion, runners will follow the Potomac View Trail to it's end.
-Take a right at the cabins, and continue along the driveway to the main entrance.
-Continue straight across the road, and turn right to circle the perimeter of the grassy knoll.
-Connect back to the main driveway by turning right and following signs for the Yellow Trail.
-Continue on the Yellow Trail for approximately .3miles to the unmistakenable turn-around cone (at the intersection of Yellow and Red trails).
-Return along the same path, in reverse.
This course is non-technical, but it does include dirt trail (with minimal rocks and roots), packed gravel, and grass.
*Competitors in the 4-mile Event will have priority placement for tents and personal aid next to the finish line.
This is a 2.084 mile out-and-back course.
-From our start/finish pavillion, runners will follow the Potomac View Trail to it's end.
-Take a right at the cabins, and continue along the driveway to the main entrance.
-Continue straight across the road, and turn right to circle the perimeter of the grassy knoll.
-Connect back to the main driveway by turning right and following signs for the Yellow Trail.
-Continue on the Yellow Trail for approximately .3miles to the unmistakenable turn-around cone (at the intersection of Yellow and Red trails).
-Return along the same path, in reverse.
This course is non-technical, but it does include dirt trail (with minimal rocks and roots), packed gravel, and grass.
*Competitors in the 4-mile Event will have priority placement for tents and personal aid next to the finish line.
1-Mile Backyard Ultra for Mortals:
This is a looped course of 2x .5mile loops.
-From the start/finish pavillion, runners will begin on the grass, toward the main entrance to the property.
-Before the road, turn right to stay on the grass, and continue along the perimeter of the grassy knoll, back to the start/finish area.
-Repeat a second loop to total 1-mile.
This course runs entirely on mowed grass, and includes access to the main aid station halfway through each mile.
We will alternate between clockwise and counter-clockwise directions EVERY hour!
This is a looped course of 2x .5mile loops.
-From the start/finish pavillion, runners will begin on the grass, toward the main entrance to the property.
-Before the road, turn right to stay on the grass, and continue along the perimeter of the grassy knoll, back to the start/finish area.
-Repeat a second loop to total 1-mile.
This course runs entirely on mowed grass, and includes access to the main aid station halfway through each mile.
We will alternate between clockwise and counter-clockwise directions EVERY hour!
Manidokan Retreat Center is private property, and their trails do not show up on standard GPS mapping. Below is an unmarked-copy of the private trail system for reference!
