Race

May 16th 2026

Starts and finishes at Butterfield Trailhead Regional Park

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4 Hour Blitz will start 7:00 am

Early - $60 (ends 11/17)

Normal Registration - $70

Late - $80 (begins 4/16)

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8 Hour Blitz will start 11:00 am

Early - $70 (ends 11/17)

Normal Registration - $80

Late - $90 (begins 4/16)

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12 Hour Blitz will start 7:00 am

Early - $80 (ends 11/17)

Normal Registration - $90

Late - $100 (begins 4/16)

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What is a "Blitz" Backyard Race?

Backyard races have exploded in popularity around the world. We took a great race format and in our opinion made it even better. What a Backyard is and the difference versus a Blitz Backyard explained below

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• Backyards are a 4.167 mile loop course that runners will do once every hour for either 4, 8, or 12 hours total. You cannot start the next loop early.

• If you are unable to complete a loop in the hour or choose to not start a loop on the hour, you are removed from the race

• The goal is to push yourself to new limits. You will never know how far and fast you can run until you try

• Finish line becomes home base. Fun for friends and family to come cheer you on and hang out

• Blitz Backyard differ from regular Backyards because we will time every loop. Placement is determined not only by loops completed but also by a runners overall time on all completed loops

• This provides a very fun and competitive twist to those runners who really want to lay it all out on the course. Runners who don't care for the "blitz" format can still push themselves to finish the number of loops they signed up for just like a normal Backyard.

• Blitz Backyards require a sound strategy with how you manage your hour as well as being physically and mentally tough

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Awards​

• All runners who complete at least 1 loop will receive a finishers medal.

• All runners who complete 12 loops will receive a leather patch beanie custom made to reflect their 50 mile accomplishment

• 1st, 2nd, and 3rd male and female will be determined first by distance completed. Should distance be the same then cumulative time spent on all laps will be used to determine placement for all runners with the same amount of loops completed.

 

Live Timing​

• We will provide live results during the race updated with each loop completed

• These results will automatically show each runners individual lap time and their current cumulative total

• Whether you are going for time or to just finish all loops this is a great and fun way for the runners to track themselves as well as friends and family who can't make it to the race to cheer you on

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"Blitz"​

• Blitz was chosen to reflect Blitz Chess. A fast paced extremely strategic version of the classic game Chess

• This variation creates an infinite level of strategy and possibilities in the race. We cannot wait to see what strategy runners use to conquer the Blitz Backyard

• You can still go out at a very mellow pace with the goal of just finishing each loop and the total distance you signed up for. You may surprise yourself how well a more conservative pace plays out.

• Finishing more loops automatically puts you ahead of runners who finished less loops in your distance, even if they ran those loops faster

• This is a backyard race blended with a timed race, best parts of both races

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Why?

Seriously though, when we first heard of this new race idea we thought it was crazy. The more we thought on it the more we realized just how amazing and fun this kind of setup is. We decided to then add our own crazy twist with the "Blitz" variation to really make this a race worth remembering for spectators and runners alike!

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Runners of all levels can participate, great way to push yourself to new limits, and the finish line turns into the best aid station you ever had. What better way to spend your Saturday than hanging out with fellow runners in the great outdoors.​

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Give the Backyard Ultra a try, you might just enjoy it. Makes for a great story!

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Packet pickup

Friday 3 pm to 6 pm at the Sandy Salt Lake Running Store 8946 S State St, Sandy, UT 84070.

 

Race day pickup starts at 5:30 am.

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We recommend all runners arrive at least 45 minutes before the race begins to ensure a stress free and smooth start if you do not pickup your bib the day before. Pre-race announcement 15 minutes before start time.​

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Food

We will be providing all kinds of snacks at the finish line just like you would see at any Ultramarathon aid station. Tailwind will be the electrolyte drink. We will have Great Harvest Bread at the conclusion of the 4hr Backyard and pizza at the conclusion of the 8hr and 12hr Backyard. If you have specific food you need be sure to bring it yourself to have at your tent. We want the finish line to be a party and the race director does love food.

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Finish Line​

Make it a party. Bring your friends and family. There is plenty of room to setup tents, chairs, etc. Feel free to bring outside games as well. Backyard Ultras are all about coming together as a community and having a great time.

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Free Photos

Xotio Media will be on the course taking photos as well as the finish line. Photos will be hosted on their website providing easy access for downloads using bib recognition. We will NOT put a logo or watermark on your picture. Instead of ruining your picture with our logo we would rather rely on you telling your friends and family about our races!

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The Park

Butterfield Trailhead is a Regional Park located in Herriman City that is maintained by Salt Lake County. This park was designed with events in mind and can hold thousands if the venue calls for it. This amount of space means we will have plenty of room to spread out and get comfortable for a day of fun and running! You can see a picture of what the finish line and tent area looks like if you check out the pictures above.​

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Navigation

Course is marked with pink flags, cones, and signs.

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Parking

Free parking and plenty of it. Try to park in the huge open grassy area. We will have signs directing you to this area.​​

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Word of mouth

Friends and family are the best way to promote this race.  Running is much more fun with a buddy and people cheering you on!

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Volunteers

These events are not possible without help! To show our appreciation all volunteers will receive a $70 credit for any future Happy Trails race. Expires after one year. Click here for more info!

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Late Registration

Begins April 16th and closes May 15th at 11:59 pm

 

We cannot guarantee all participants registering after April 16th will be able to order a shirt. We will order extra to do our best to accommodate late registration. If we do not have your size or you do not want a shirt you can use code NOSHIRT at checkout for $10 off registration.

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Capacity

12hr will be capped to 60 runners

8hr will be capped to 60 runners

4hr will be capped to 60 runners

This is to prevent trail congestion. These numbers may change year to year based on observation and runner feedback.

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Rules

• Runner must be in starting corral when each loop begins unless they wish to drop.

• Warnings will be given 5, 2, and 1 minutes before the loop begins.

• Except for restrooms, no leaving the course or receiving aid on the course once the lap begins.

• No artificial aid (including trekking poles) and no pacers allowed

• Slower runners must allow passes

• Loop must be completed in the hour to receive credit for that loop.

• When you finish your lap you may use the time you have until the next loop to do what you please.

• Crew and support may come and go at the starting area.

• Plenty of space to setup, get cozy, and make some new friends. Can not block the course or starting corral in anyway.

• Blitz Backyard format will be used to determine runner placement. See description above for details.

• Must have fun.

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Weather

Average high is 71*F and average low is 51*F

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Race Director - Don Hantla

801-230-5070

happytrailsrace@gmail.com

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Loyalty Discount

 Save $5 with code HAPPY if you plan to do more than one of our events this year or if you have referred a friend to sign up for one of our races this year.

 

Happy Trails Marathon 3rd Saturday April

Corner Canyon 5k & 10k Series May through Oct

South Mountain Half 1st Saturday May

Butterfield Blitz Backyard 3rd Saturday May

Rose Canyon Ultra 1st Saturday June

Deer Creek Half 2nd Saturday July

Butterfield Canyon Marathon 2nd Saturday August

Jordan River Marathon 3rd Saturday September

Dimple Dell Half 2nd Saturday October

Jordan River Blitz Backyard 3rd Saturday October

Traverse Mountain Marathon 1st Saturday November

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As a small company we depend greatly on word of mouth and runners coming back to run with us. This is another way we can say thank you! 

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Follow us on social media @happytrailsrunning for up to date information on races and FREE race entries! (Race Drops twice each month)

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