The Lakou Backyard Ultra is a community-focused endurance event scheduled to begin on Saturday, May 16, 2026, in Spruce Grove, Alberta. Part of the River’s Edge Running Series, the race follows the traditional backyard ultra format, where participants must complete a 6.7 km loop every hour. The event is hosted on a private property, emphasizing a "gathering place" atmosphere, and is entirely volunteer-run to support Olive Tree Projects, a non-profit operating in Haiti.
| Event Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Start Time | 9:00 AM MDT |
| Location | 26323 Township Road 511, Spruce Grove, AB |
| Format | 6.7 km "Yard" Loop (Must start on the hour) |
| Beneficiary | Olive Tree Projects |
| Organization | 100% Volunteer-driven |
The race operates under strict "Last Man Standing" rules. Each participant must be at the starting line precisely when the bell rings at the top of every hour. Failure to start or finish a lap within the 60-minute window results in immediate disqualification. This mental and physical challenge continues until only one runner remains to complete a final solo loop. The course is situated on rural terrain, providing a natural and rugged backdrop for the competitors.
Spruce Grove is located within the Edmonton Metropolitan Region, known for its extensive trail networks and active outdoor community. The city serves as a hub for endurance athletes in Parkland County, benefiting from the nearby river valley and diverse parklands. Events like the Lakou Backyard Ultra leverage this local passion for running to drive international impact, specifically supporting maternal and neonatal healthcare initiatives in Haiti. The grassroots nature of the race ensures that the majority of funds raised go directly toward the beneficiary's mission.
Participants are responsible for their own "crewing" and nutrition between laps, though the backyard setting encourages a supportive environment among runners and volunteers. The fundraising goal for the 2026 event is set at $5,000, with an active leaderboard tracking individual contributions. For technical questions regarding the course layout or the series' other events, race director Bryan Wallace can be reached through the official series website.
May 16, 2026
Distance — 6.7K
Type — Running
09:00
$173.83
These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for May in Spruce Grove.
Learn more about the host city, Spruce Grove.
Spruce Grove is a city of about 34,000 people in the Edmonton Capital Region.
Read more launchWatch highlights and course previews from previous years.
Explore other exciting events happening in this same region.
location_on Edmonton, Alberta, CA
calendar_today May 03, 2026
location_on Edmonton, Alberta, CA
calendar_today May 10, 2026
Hand-picked events we think you’ll love.
Nov 21, 2026
The RUN Manatee 5k series offers THREE adventures to celebrate ONE community. Participants will discover Manatee County…
Read more
Nov 28, 2026
Join us for the annual Turkey Trails 5k/10k! A fun, Thanksgiving-themed event that is perfect for the whole family.The…
Read more
Dec 13, 2026
Join us for the annual Candy Cane Course 5k/12k! A fun, Christmas-themed event that is perfect for the whole family.Th…
Read more
Mar 21, 2027
WE ARE NOW OFFERING AN AQUABIKE DIVISION! Triathlon Information:Join us for the annual Space Coast Triathlon, held in …
Read more