Banana Slug Backyard 24

Description:

A backyard 24 is a great race for someone who is interested in trying a backyard ultra format, but does not intend to run more than 100 miles or more than 24 hours.

Runners have to complete a 4.1667-mile course within a one-hour cutoff. And then do that again at the end of that hour. And again the next. Runners are eliminated if they fail to complete any loop within the hour cutoff or refuse to continue. The race concludes after 24 loops in 24 hours, which is exactly 100 miles.

There is no winner in this format. Runners either complete the course (100 miles in 24 hours) or receive an official DNF (did not finish), though the race does publish the number of successful loops completed by each runner.

The race will start precisely at 8:00 AM on April 13, 2024 with all runners present attempting to complete a 4.1667-mile course before 9:00 AM. Then at 9:00 AM, another loop will be started. This will continue until 8:00 AM the next morning.

The race uses a lovely system of trails at Champoeg State Park. The first loop follows a single-track trail through trees and alongside the Willamette river with scenic views.

This same trail course will be used for the first 11 hours of the race. At 7:00 PM the race will switch to the night course which is entirely paved. The race will switch back to the trail course at 7:00 AM the next morning for the final loop.

A portion of the proceeds from the race will be donated to Children’s Center, in recognition of Child Abuse Prevention Month.