Back Cove Backyard Ultra

BACK COVE BACKYARD ULTRA

Portland’s only backyard ultra on the iconic Back Cove Trail is back for year 4! Test yourself over and over (and over) again, or until the last biped remains standing. Every hour on the hour you’ll head out to complete the 4.16 mile loop, in a test of physical and mental fortitude. Think you have what it takes? Let’s find out!
The start/finish area is centrally located at Back Cove Park across from a Hannaford Supermarket and other amenities. There will be porta potties and an aid station at the start/finish area with water, packaged snacks, electrolyte/salt packets, basic first aid supplies and ice available during the heat of the day. You should plan to bring everything else you think you’ll need in addition to these basics. There are water fountains at intervals on the Back Cove trail, and public toilets in Payson Park (approximately halfway through the loop). There will be an unmanned aid station in Payson Park with water and minimal supplies.

Course

The Back Cove Trail is a 3.5 mile non-technical, mostly flat, gravel loop, with a short paved bridge crossing. The trail takes runners along the edge of a tidal estuary basin, and offers a beautiful view the entire length of the route. There is a 0.60 mile add-on each loop on the Bayside Trail when you get to the start/finish area, to equal the standard 4.16 mile backyard ultra distance. Parking is free in the public lot adjacent to the start/finish on a first come/first served basis.

Aid Station

There will be two aid stations. There will be one unstaffed aid station in Payson Park with water, basic first aid supplies, and packaged snacks. There will be a fully staffed aid station at the start/finish where there will be water, electrolytes, packaged and prepared snacks and basic first aid supplies. Event personnel will be on hand at the start/finish for the duration of the event, so participants are welcome to leave their drop bags/supplies at that location. There is space for participants to place a small tent or canopy adjacent to the start/finish area. There are porta potties in Payson Park and at the start/finish area.

Pricing & Refunds

This is a hyper-local event. We’ve deliberately kept the price for this event relatively low, are relying on volunteer support, and offering practical and minimal swag to keep our expenses low. We will not issue refunds for any reason, other than extraordinary circumstances determined at the event organizers discretion. Organizers will offer a pregnancy deferral for this event to be used in a subsequent year following pregnancy and post-partum recovery.

Hosted by Runaways Run Club. Questions can be directed to the Race Director

 

Event Details

Date

July 12, 2025

Time

10:00am

Venue Address

Back Cove, Portland

Sports

Additional Information

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