NorCal Backyard Ultra

The NorCal Backyard Ultra returns to Granite Bay, California on October 23 & 24, 2026, offering runners two distinct endurance challenges around Folsom Lake. Participants can choose between the Last Person Standing event and the Mini Last Person Starting at Beals Point, both featuring a unique format where each runner must complete a 4.16-mile loop every hour on the hour to continue advancing in the race until only one remains.
The setting for the NorCal Backyard Ultra is along Folsom Lake's shoreline trails, providing scenic views and varied terrain that includes sections of road and smoother trail paths around the lake’s perimeter. Early morning temperatures hover between 13°C and 25°C with average humidity levels at approximately 60%. The course conditions are firm but slightly soft underfoot due to recent rain showers in the area.
This event has been a tradition for several years, drawing endurance runners from across California who come to test their limits on both physical stamina and mental resolve. In previous iterations, the race raised funds for local scholarships and community projects that benefit Granite Bay residents directly. Participants often return year after year due to the supportive atmosphere created by fellow competitors.
The planned course will feature a 4.16-mile loop around Folsom Lake with equal parts road and smooth trail paths. The terrain includes gradual elevation changes, making each lap challenging yet rewarding for those pushing their limits. Runners should prepare themselves mentally as much as physically since the format requires consistent pacing to avoid being eliminated from competition.
In October in Granite Bay, California, temperatures typically range between 12°C at dawn and around midday up to a high of 25°C by afternoon with an average wind speed of about 7.4 km/h. The weather conditions are generally favorable for long-distance running events like the NorCal Backyard Ultra.