2024 Changes
We are making a slight change in the registration process this year and doing a dramatic cut-off from our usual field size. I have loved seeing so many new ultrarunners on the field, but for the last three years we have dreamed and wondered if it was possible to run 200 miles in the fields. For this reason, we are assembling a small group of runners with a similar goal– 200 miles.
Things will be different than our normal set-up.
If you are chosen to participate you will be given more information. Registration essays can be sent to jessbackyardultra@gmail.com.
Course Description
Welcome to the fields– for the fourth year in a row! Jess’ Backyard Ultra is filled with competitors named Jess from all over the United States and Canada.
This farm course in Greeley, Colorado, will be used for both the day and night loops. The course varies as runners run along dirt byways, dirt roads, grassy areas, overgrowth passages, a railroad, and several small bridges. Each loop consists of approximately 70ft elevation gain in total. It is very runner friendly.
Race Rules/Format
Jess’ Backyard Ultra will start at 9:00 p.m. sharp on Friday, August 9th. The race will start from Jessy V-N’s front yard (the location of our start corral) and follow a flagged course through several agricultural areas.
Before the start of each loop, the race director will go through the following protocol to indicate the start of each hour’s loop.
• 3 minutes before the start (whistle will be blown 3 times)
• 2 minutes before the start (whistle will be blown 2 times)
• 1 minute before the start (whistle will be blown 1 time)
• 30 seconds will be announced before start
• 10 seconds will be counted down before the start
• START (Cowbell will be rung)
• You have one hour to finish the loop once it has started. If you finish a loop within the hour, you may start the next hour’s loop provided you are in the start corral when the next hour starts. If you do not finish within the hour, you are out of the race and considered a DNF. At this point you may choose to relax at the corral or join the race as crew for the remaining runners.
• Once you are on the course, you are not allowed any aid from your crew, pacers, or otherwise. You must be on and stay on the course, unless you need to use the bathroom (please do so off the trail or road discreetly, there should be a lot of corn nearby). There may or may not be a port-a-potty on the course.
• No artificial aids (including trekking poles) are allowed.
• Once you are back to the start and assuming you have finished within the hour, you may use the bathroom, eat, drink, sleep, ponder the next loop, etc., but you MUST be back in the start corral at the beginning of the hour to continue into the next hour’s loop.
• Runners are responsible for their own aid on course, but we will have lots of food and drink available at the start corral. We have a caterer who will be serving food throughout the event (both vegetarian and non-vegetarian). We will release our food list/schedule as we near the event.
• Runners will be able to set up a tent, which can be reserved ahead of time. There will also be canopies available to spread out under.
• Near the start/finish line, runners will have a small area where they may also set up a chair for quick access between loops. If you cannot travel with a chair, one can be reserved ahead of time.
• Runners may have crew if they like, but crew is not required.
• We will have at least 3 port-a-johns near the start/finish area.
• Runners will continue until one runner completes a final lap. (i.e. If there are two runners left and one does not complete the loop, then the one that completed the loop will be declared the winner). That runner will be considered the winner of Jess’ Backyard Ultra!
Runner Rules
These rules are meant to make your experience during the Jess’ Backyard Ultra a positive one. Most of these are common sense type policies that you will see at any trail or competitive race.
• No littering. The race is on leased agricultural land. Please respect that we are using local farmers’ amazing fields for our fun event. Let’s try to keep as much litter off the fields as possible.
• Following the marked course is mandatory. Please do not cut the course, cut any switchbacks, etc.
• Though the course will be VERY well marked with flags, intermittent lights, and signs, runners are ultimately responsible for knowing the course and carrying course maps if necessary.
• Please respect others that are on the trail. There is a likelihood a farm hand will be checking in on the irrigation pipes a couple times during the race. This person is considered a course official. Please be friendly and give him or her space. He or she will try to stay out of your way too.
• If you must use the bathroom, please try to do so very discreetly a good distance off the trail before returning to the race. Do not use the wooden outhouse by the barn.
• If at any time you intend to drop out of the race, you have several options. You may continue to walk to the start corral to receive your DNF or you can drop out at the unmanned aid station or one of the course checkpoints along the way. There will be radios at the unmanned aid station to contact the race director if you have an issue that requires pick-up. There will also be several course officials at different locations on the course. These officials are there to monitor the safety of the course and be a resource to anyone who chooses to drop during the event.
• If you choose to drink alcohol, do so after your race and drink responsibly.
• When you run your last yard, you must come speak to Jessy at the start corral to officially record your DNF.
Aid Stations
• There will be one unmanned aid station near the half-way mark. This aid station will have access to ice chests, extra water, electrolyte drink, and otter pops. We may also put a kiddie pool out there for quick splashing during the day.
• Runners are not required to carry their own hydration bottle, pack, or cup on the course, but it is suggested you bring water and liquids. This course will be very hot during the day.
• There will not be cups available at the unmanned aid station, so be prepared to fill your own water systems. If you require any special drink, nutrition, or other food items on the course, please come prepared.
Awards
There can only be ONE winner (assuming they finish their last lap)! This person will receive a special award to commemorate the first Jess’ Backyard Ultra.
Post Race Celebration
You’ve just DNF’d this epic race (unless you are the winner of course). Enjoy the amount of miles you just ran, sit back, relax, and don’t forget to hang out/cheer on all the remaining runners. You may even act as their crew as the race continues. We will have food catered throughout the event to offer for participants. We may even have some live music for you!
Swag
When you register, you can choose to order a shirt, hoodie, or buckle to commemorate this event.
Weather Considerations
August is hot. The type of hot that feels like it turns your body into a dried-out sponge. During peak heat hours temperatures could swell to 100+ degrees. Low temperatures will range in the upper 50’s. There will likely be 0% humidity.
During the day, expect very high temps with no shade.
I recommend finding a hat that can help you block the sun during the hot hours.
Welcome to Jess’ Backyard Ultra
Until the Last Jess Standing,
Jessy V-N
Once the precedent of 200 is set, we’ll be back.
