SISU Backyard Ultra at Lake Rebecca invites runners to experience the heart of Finnish endurance culture through determination and community spirit. Rooted in the concept of sisu — embodying resilience, grit, and an unyielding will to persevere — this event challenges participants across all skill levels with a unique format: one 4.167-mile loop every hour on the hour. Finishers have time to rest or engage in post-loop activities like sauna sessions or dips into Lake Rebecca before starting anew. The race's simplicity belies its challenge; runners must maintain their pace and mental fortitude as hours pass, with each completion bringing them closer to defining personal milestones such as a half marathon, full marathon, 50K, or even beyond. The course itself weaves through diverse terrain including gravel paths, asphalt roads, and scenic trails around Lake Rebecca, offering varied landscapes throughout the day and night. SISU Backyard Ultra welcomes all runners seeking an unforgettable journey of self-discovery and camaraderie. Whether you're a newcomer to ultra-distance running or aiming for ambitious goals, this event provides a platform where every runner's success is uniquely measured by their own tenacity and perseverance. Join us at Lake Rebecca to push your limits, embrace the Finnish spirit of sisu, and create lasting memories in a supportive community setting. SISU Backyard Ultra promises an immersive experience that blends endurance with scenic beauty, challenging runners to redefine what they believe is possible. With its mix of terrain and unpredictable weather conditions, this event celebrates every loop completed as both a personal triumph and a collective achievement within the running community. Come prepared for a night filled with determination, shared moments in sauna relaxation, and an unbreakable bond forged through perseverance.
Races Offered
Backyard Ultra ( 4.167 mile loop )
Sep 05, 2026
straighten
Distance —
6.7K
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
09:00
sell
$99.00
Weather History
These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for September in Rockford.
thermostatTemperature
15.0° / 24.7°
wb_sunnyFeels like
13.6° / 23.4°
light_mode
Avg sunshine hours
10h 41m
water_drop
Avg rainfall
2.3 mm
ac_unit
Avg snowfall
—
air
Avg wind speed
12.5 km/h (Gentle breeze)
opacity
Sweat loss rate
Moderate
terrain
Course conditions
Firm and slightly soft
sunny
Max UV Index
Moderate (3.5)
humidity_mid
Humidity
70.0%
wb_twilight
Sunrise
06:54
nightlight
Sunset
19:24
About Rockford
Learn more about the host city, Rockford.
Rockford is a city in the Rock River Valley in Northern Illinois. With a population of over 145,000 (2019), it is the third largest city in the state.