Lakou Backyard Ultra 2026

Lakou Backyard Ultra lands in Spruce Grove on May 16, 2026 and is staged by River's Edge Running Series. The race uses the backyard-ultra concept popular with ultra runners: athletes run repeated laps of a fixed distance on the hour until only one runner completes a lap more than everyone else. The event is hosted on the private trail network owned by the series director, Bryan Wallace, and combines competitive racing with a close-knit, grassroots atmosphere.

Each loop — called a "yard" — measures 6,706 metres. All runners begin each yard at the top of the hour and must complete the distance within 60 minutes. If a runner fails to complete a yard in the allotted hour they receive a DNF and must stop; the last athlete to complete at least one more yard than any other competitor is the sole winner. Runners can use any spare minutes between laps as they see fit but must be back at the Start/Finish to begin the next hour together.

Lakou is distinctive for its backyard setting and community focus. The weekend doubles as a fundraiser for Olive Tree Projects, a grassroots charity supporting families in Haiti, and the event leans on volunteers and local crews to operate. The trails are on private land, and the route includes natural trail hazards and remote sections, so runners should come prepared for uneven terrain and self-reliance. Pets are welcome at the event site on leash, but runners may not run the course with pets.

Racers and volunteers who register by April 15, 2026 receive this year's free swag; all participants must read and agree to the race waiver before competing. Bibs and race packages are available for pickup at the Start/Finish area from 7:00–8:30 a.m. on race day.

- **Hourly 6.706 km loop:** Complete one "yard" of 6,706 metres every hour until only one runner remains ahead.
- **Set in a private backyard trail network:** Hosted in the backyard of series director Bryan Wallace on private land.
- **Charity beneficiary:** Proceeds support Olive Tree Projects, a grassroots organization working in Haiti.
- **Registration swag deadline:** Racers and volunteers who register by April 15, 2026 receive free event swag.
- **Morning race package pickup:** Bibs and race packages available at the Start/Finish area from 7:00–8:30 a.m. on race day.