Broken Anvil Backyard Ultra

The Broken Anvil Backyard Ultra returns to West Point, Iowa on September 19th, challenging participants with a unique format of repetitive loops around Pollmiller Lake Park in the heart of town. This race is part of the larger Backyard Ultra Series and offers runners an intense experience through a series of 4.167-mile circuits that begin at precisely 7:00 AM Central Time on the designated day.
The event takes place along the hard, dry trails near Pollmiller Lake Park in West Point, Iowa. Runners will encounter varied conditions as they navigate each loop under the unpredictable September skies. The course is designed to test both physical endurance and mental fortitude with its exacting pace requirements and ever-changing weather patterns that can range from cool mornings at 15 degrees Celsius to warmer afternoons reaching up to 26 degrees Celsius.
Since its inception, Broken Anvil Backyard Ultra has become a significant event in the West Point community calendar. It attracts runners of all skill levels who are eager to push their limits and support each other through grueling conditions. The race raises awareness for individual achievement while fostering camaraderie among participants and spectators alike. Over the years, it has grown from a small gathering into an anticipated annual challenge that draws hundreds of competitors.
The course itself winds around Pollmiller Lake Park, featuring a mix of paved paths and natural trails through scenic areas close to downtown West Point. Starting at 7:00 AM sharp on September 19th, the race unfolds with each loop beginning exactly one hour after the previous finish. Runners are required to complete their loops within an hour or face disqualification, adding a layer of strategic planning and physical prowess to what is already a demanding challenge.
Weather in West Point during early September can be quite variable; temperatures typically range from 15°C to 26°C with average humidity around 67%. The possibility of light rainfall—about 1.3mm on average—is present, so runners should prepare for the potential of wet or muddy conditions along the hard and dry surface trails.