"Hee-haw!"
This backyard ultra takes place at Dry Creek Parkway, in Sacramento, California.
In the traditional style, runners will have one hour to complete each 4.16 mile loop. Each new yard (loop) will begin every hour, on the hour. If a runner is not in the start corral, ready to begin the next yard, on the hour mark, they're out. The runner who completes the most yards wins.
B.A.B.U. was originally created in 2023 as a fatass event. In 2024 it was made an official event as a collaboration between Skybreaker Racing and Auburn Area Trail Runners. Today, while the event is still put on by the same organizers, through partnership, B.A.B.U. is now under the Singletrack Running umbrella.
B.A.B.U. is now officially an affiliated Backyard event. This means that as a runner of this event you will be eligible to earn a spot on a National Team for the Satellite Team Championships and the World Individual Championships at Big’s Backyard in Tennessee! You can now find our event listed on BackyardUltra.com.
Registration is open!
When
9:00 am, March 22nd, 2025
Where
Parking/Start/Finish/Pit Location:
Dry Creek Bike Trail parking lot, Dry Creek Parkway
Dry Creek Rd, Rio Linda, CA.
Pitting & Aid
We will be utilizing the field just northwest of the main parking lot for the start/finish/pitting area.
We will offer electrolytes, gels/chews, and all of the other typical aid station stacks.
Tents will be allowed for close-proximity pitting. 10'x10' pop-ups will also be allowed, however, sharing is encouraged to save space. Crewing and aid are allowed in this area only, and only in between yards.
Course Data
Yard Stats: 4.16 miles | 30 ft of elevation gain
Course Maps & Elevation Profiles
Volunteer
We'll need a handful of volunteers to make this happen. Check out available shifts on Ultrasignup and feel free to reach out to the Volunteer Coordinator.
Rules
- Warnings will be given 3, 2, and 1 minute(s) prior to the start of each yard/loop.
- Participants must be in the starting corral at the "bell."
- All participants must start at the "bell" (no late starts).
- Except for restrooms, competitor may not leave the course until each loop is completed .
- No non-participants on the course (including eliminated runners) .
- Runners are allowed no assistance/aid after the "bell" rings, until they complete the yard.
- Each loop must be completed within an hour to be counted, including the final lap.
- No artificial aids (including trekking poles) .
- Slower runners must allow passing.
- The winner is the last person to complete a loop . All others are technically DNF's.
- If no runner can complete one more loop than anyone else, there is no winner.
Swag
Runners will receive unique event t-shirts (if ordered during registration).
The winner, assuming there is one, will receive a special award.
Are you ready to take on the challenge?
Add B.A.B.U. to Your Google Calendar
Contact:
Ben Mitchell
Lead Race Director
ben@skybreakerracing.com
Jeremy Payne
Assistant Race Director
& Volunteer Coordinator
skybreakervc@gmail.com