OVERVIEW

The Oldman Backyard Ultra is a gritty, community‑driven test of endurance held along the rugged coulees and sweeping river valley of Lethbridge. Built around the classic backyard ultra format — one loop every hour, on the hour, until only one runner remains — the event blends Alberta’s natural beauty with the raw mental and physical challenge that defines backyard racing.

Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Oldman River and the city’s iconic coulee system, the race offers a uniquely Southern Alberta experience: wide‑open skies, rolling terrain, unpredictable weather, and a course that rewards patience, resilience, and strategic pacing. Whether you’re aiming for your first few loops or pushing toward a personal record, the Oldman Backyard Ultra delivers a welcoming yet uncompromising challenge.

RACE DISTANCES OVERVIEW

While backyard ultras don’t offer traditional fixed distances, runners naturally fall into a range of personal goals:

• Starter Effort (1–6 Loops): Ideal for first‑timers, social runners, or anyone curious about the backyard format.
• Endurance Range (7–18 Loops): A strong benchmark for experienced runners looking to test pacing and mental toughness.
• Competitive Territory (19–36+ Loops): Where strategy, grit, and overnight resilience define the race.
• Last One Standing: The ultimate achievement — continuing until every other runner taps out.

Every participant defines their own finish line, making the event both deeply personal and profoundly communal.

THE RACE

The Oldman Backyard Ultra celebrates the spirit of backyard racing: simple rules, infinite possibility, and a shared journey that unfolds one loop at a time. The course showcases Lethbridge’s signature terrain — rolling coulees, river‑valley paths, and open prairie stretches — creating a loop that is runnable, scenic, and deceptively demanding.

Runners experience:

• A supportive, community‑powered event with passionate volunteers
• A well‑marked loop blending coulee climbs, flats, and flowing trail
• A start‑corral countdown every hour that builds anticipation and camaraderie
• Aid station support, crew access, and a lively central staging area

Whether you’re chasing a personal milestone or pushing toward the final loop, the Oldman Backyard Ultra offers a uniquely motivating and memorable challenge.

WHY RUN THE OLDMAN BACKYARD ULTRA

The Oldman Backyard Ultra is more than a race — it’s a shared endurance journey where runners encourage each other, loops become stories, and the simple act of starting again becomes the heart of the challenge. Participants return because of:

• A format that welcomes all abilities and celebrates every loop
• A scenic, runnable course that rewards consistency and smart pacing
• A grassroots, community‑first atmosphere shaped by volunteers and local runners
• Clear organization, smooth logistics, and a supportive central hub
• The powerful sense of accomplishment that comes from pushing past perceived limits

With Lethbridge’s accessible location and ample space for crews, the event is ideal for both runners and supporters.

EVENT AMENITIES

The Oldman Backyard Ultra focuses on runner comfort, safety, and the unique rhythm of backyard racing. Participants benefit from:

• Pre‑race check‑in and briefing
• A central staging area for tents, chairs, and crew setups
• Hourly start‑corral organization and clear timing
• Aid station support with hydration, snacks, and encouragement
• Post‑race gathering space for celebration and recovery

Every detail is designed to help runners stay steady, supported, and ready for the next loop.

COMMUNITY & GATHERING SPACES

The Oldman Backyard Ultra thrives on community connection. Throughout the event, runners, families, and volunteers gather at:

• The Start/Finish Corral, the heartbeat of the race where each loop begins
• Crew and Tent Zones, where runners rest, refuel, and reset between loops
• Finish‑line and celebration areas, where stories are shared and achievements are honored

These spaces create the camaraderie that makes backyard ultras feel like a shared adventure rather than a solitary effort.

FOOD & REFUELING OPTIONS

While the race provides essential aid station support, runners and crews will find plenty of food options throughout Lethbridge.

Popular choices include:

• Local cafés and bakeries for pre‑race fueling
• Family restaurants and pubs for hearty meals
• Coffee shops for early‑morning caffeine and grab‑and‑go snacks
• Post‑race dining spots perfect for celebrating your effort

Lethbridge’s welcoming food scene ensures that runners and supporters stay fueled throughout race weekend.