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2026 Somba K'e Backyard Ultra

Do the North

The Territory's first Backyard Ultra, held at the Yellowknife Ski Club.


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Registration opens Monday, May 25th, 2026

The course is a 6.7km loop that begins at the start of every hour. Runners must complete the entirety of the loop before the next hour begins. A cowbell will mark the start of a fresh hour and lap. All runners must be in the starting coral when the next lap begins. The race continues until there is only one person left, who has completed the last lap, or 24hr has expired.

The first lap will start at 8AM sharp on Sept 19th 2026.


2025 Somba K'e Backyard Ultra Recap Video


Course:

Rules:

  1. Race Starts at 8:00 am

  2. Every lap begins on the hour, every hour.

  3. You must be in the starting chute at the top of the hour to begin your lap.

  4. If a runner has not completed their lap before the hour is up, they will be marked as a DNF (Did Not Finish) and may not continue.

  5. Crew is not allowed anywhere on the course other than at the start/finish line.

  6. Pacers are not allowed. Non-registered runners are not allowed to run on the course to support a registered runner.

  7. Runners must stay on course at all times, except at the start/finish line.

  8. Runners may not cut the course at any point.

  9. Runners need to start the next lap on the hour mark and must finish by the next hour mark.

  10. The event continues hour by hour until only one runner remains and that runner must complete an entire lap solo, in under an hour, OR the 24hour period is up.

    1. If all runners have dropped out but one and that runner starts the final lap solo, BUT does not complete the lap within the hour, that runner is deemed DNF, and there is NO FINISHER.

    2. If we are about to start the 24th lap and there are more than 1 runner attempting the final lap, the FIRST person to cross the finish line is deemed the FINISHER.

    3. All other runners will be deemed DNF.

  11. Poles are allowed, but runners must be mindful of their use and effect on others.

  12. Headlamps are mandatory after 8:00 pm

  13. Bibs are non-transferable. Only registered runners.

  14. Dogs are not allowed on course.

  15. If you decide not to continue to run, you must inform headquarters that you are leaving.

(For example, if you live in Niven and want to walk home from the course. You must inform us first.)

  1. Be respectful of other runners on course.

What's Included:

Registration includes: onsite snacks, food and beverages, access to ski club facilities and chalet (luxury bathrooms! a place to set up a camping mat or lay out your race supplies), a DNF medal/token for everyone.

Registration fees Spots remaining: 35

Where pricing applies, shown amounts include mandatory charges, items, and fees.

Solo 24hr Backyard Ultra Spots remaining: 26

Price changes in 5 seconds

  • Go Solo for your own adventure pleasure in this inaugural 24hr event (or as long as you can last)

    1. CA$90.48
      May 25 – Sep 6
    2. CA$112.58
      Now registering Sep 6 – Sep 14
      Register for Solo 24hr Backyard Ultra
    3. CA$134.68
      Sep 14 – Sep 18

Team Relay Backyard Ultra ($/person) Spots remaining: 10

Price changes in 5 seconds

  • Bring your team (Maximum 4 ppl per team) and combine efforts in this inaugural 24hr Backyard Ultra. Only one teammate can be on the course at a time.

    1. CA$57.34
      May 25 – Sep 6
    2. CA$68.38
      Now registering Sep 6 – Sep 14
      Register for Team Relay Backyard Ultra ($/person)
    3. CA$79.43
      Sep 14 – Sep 18

Youth (18yrs and under) Solo Backyard Ultra Limited spots available

Price changes in 5 seconds

Youth (18yrs and under) TEAM Backyard Event Limited spots available

Price changes in 5 seconds

Contact information

Event contact
Mike Lee and Maxwell McEachern
Website
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