GrassRoots Racing

Love being able to share this one.

There are a lot of familiar names on this list, along with some new ones, and seeing Team Canada come together again always brings back a lot of memories.

The first World Team Championships took us to BC in 2020. In 2022, I had the opportunity to serve as Team Canada’s manager and Race Director, and two years ago I made my way to New Brunswick to support Yvan as he took on the team manager role. This year, it’s great to see Kara step in to lead Team Canada as the championships make their way back to Sicamous, BC.

I won’t be there in person this time, but I’m thrilled to still be part of it on the broadcast side, watching not only Canada but teams around the world come together on October 17.

Just another great chapter in how backyard running continues to grow in Canada. 🇨🇦

We’ve noticed a pattern around here.

Someone signs up to volunteer because they’re curious about this whole Backyard Ultra thing.

They spend the weekend watching the corral. They meet the runners. They see Tent City come alive. They witness the highs, the lows and the ridiculous number of times someone says, “Okay, ONE more.”

And then registration opens for the next year…

👀

Suddenly our volunteer is wearing a bib.

We’ve lost more than a few volunteers to the corral over the years, and frankly, we love it.

So if you’ve been Backyard-curious but aren’t quite ready to race, come volunteer. It might be the best seat in the house.

Just don’t blame us if you find yourself registering next year.

There are a whole lot of people who make a Backyard Ultra happen who never wear a bib.

They’re checking you in. Keeping an eye on timing. Helping Tent City find some semblance of order. Making sure everyone is where they need to be. Standing out there in the rain. And somehow still smiling after hours and hours and hours of watching people head out for “just one more loop.”

Our volunteers are a huge part of the GrassRoots family, and this race simply wouldn’t be what it is without them.

To everyone who has given us a few hours, a full day or an entire weekend over the years: THANK YOU. 💛

You’ve helped build this little backyard into something pretty darn special.

Want to volunteer for 2027? We'd love to have you.
Register: https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=141741

Okay, let's settle this.

You get back from your yard with 12 minutes to spare.

What's your FIRST move?

🥪 Eat
🪑 Sit
🧦 Feet/socks
🚻 Bathroom
☕ Caffeine
😶 Stare into the distance and reconsider every decision that brought you here

Backyardigans, defend your answer.

There's a moment during your first Backyard when you finally get it.

Maybe it's realizing you don't have to run every yard fast.

Maybe it's the first time the whole corral heads out together again.

Maybe it's when the person beside you starts feeling less like a competitor and more like someone you're genuinely hoping makes it back in time.

What was the moment you fell in love with the Backyard format?

And if you've never done one...

Maybe 2027 is your year to find out.

Register or Volunteer: https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=141741

Experienced Backyard crews, help us out.

Your runner comes back looking completely cooked.

What's the ONE thing you should absolutely not say to them?

And what's the thing you've learned to say instead?

Drop your best crew wisdom below. 👇

First-time crews may want to save this one.

Daytime Backyard and nighttime Backyard might as well be two different sports.

The headlamps.

The quiet.

The temperature dropping.

The conversations getting increasingly questionable.

And that strange little world that exists while everyone else is asleep.

Night yards: love them or hate them?

🌙 Team Night Yard
☀️ Please Give Me Sunrise

Let's make a list.

Tell us something that makes absolutely no sense to anyone who hasn't done a Backyard Ultra—but every Backyardigan will immediately understand.

We'll start:

Getting excited because you finished slower and somehow that's a good thing.

Your turn. 👇

Yep. It’s happening. 🙌

GrassRoots Backyard 2027 is more than 50% FULL.

Backyard 15 — FULL.
Backyard 24 — FULL.

You stepped up. Now you’re stepping into the corral to find out just how many loops you’ve got in you.

And one of my favourite parts? Seeing the roster fill with familiar faces and so many new names ready to experience Backyard for the first time.

Five years in, it’s pretty amazing to watch this community continue to grow and continue to show up for each other.

More loops. More stories. One pretty incredible community.

Well done, Backyardigans. Well done. 🧡

See you in the corral.

Wanna join us? Register: https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=141741&utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZnRzaAT1umVwZG9mAmZkaWQWUM7w8Bsj1TaFSmOmkxYVGbKAZVb8ZmV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkDzEyNDAyNDU3NDI4NzQxNAABpy9RwbZhuD5SbL9QnEJhpfPOw8P76EPYaheeZkIUcUyQC3qr56SHkJzdiVaR_aem__0KPhObc2Ae__LmFrSKt1A