Upper Michigan’s First
Backyard Ultra!
Explore Our Wild
Anderson Lake Backyard Ultra
Anderson Lake West State Forest Campground, Michigan
October 10-11, 2026 | 9:00 AM Start | 24-Hour Event | Cap: 65 Runners
Welcome to a backyard ultra for everyone from seasoned endurance athletes to first-timers!
Run a 4.167-mile loop every hour, on the hour, for up to 24 hours.
Finish each loop before the next hour begins to stay in the race.
Whether you complete one loop or all 24, your challenge is yours — and the community is here to cheer you on.
Basecamp Setup & Vibes
Your home for the day (and night)!
Basecamp is at the Anderson Lake boat ramp access site
Bring a 10x10 canopy - no traditional tents allowed
Bring chairs, snacks, games, and your trail crew spirit
No open fires
Pets allowed on a leash (State of Michigan regulation)
Setup Times:
Friday, Oct. 10 – 2:00–7:00 PM
Saturday, Oct. 11 – 6:00–7:00 AM
Find Your Limits
All Abilities Welcome
This isn’t just an ultramarathon, it’s an outdoor experience!
Whether you aim for one loop (just over a 5K) or the full 24 (100 miles), we invite all runners looking to challenge themselves and enjoy nature.
Share the Trail
Anderson Lake Pathway will remain open to the public.
Be courteous, wave to hikers, and represent the running community with a smile.
Registration
Entry Fee: $75
Discount: $5 off for Upper Peninsula Road Runners Club members
Runner Cap: 65 runners
REGISTER NOW
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REGISTER NOW 〰️
Race Schedule
Race Start: 9:00 AM, Saturday, Oct. 10
Race End: 9:00 AM, Sunday, Oct. 11
Packet Pickup
Friday, October 9 – Up North Lodge
🕑 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
📍215 S. CR 557, Gwinn, MI
Saturday, October 10 – Anderson Lake Basecamp
🕕 7:00 AM – 8:30 AM
Location & Directions
Anderson Lake Campground
Located ~5 miles southwest of Gwinn, MI
📌 DNR Campground Info
From Gwinn:
Take M-35 N to N Serenity Dr (1.5 mi)
Left on N Serenity Dr (1.4 mi)
Left on S Co Rd 557 (3.0 mi)
Follow signs to Anderson Lake Rd and the boat ramp
Course Details
Loop distance: 4.167 miles
Elevation: ~289 ft per loop
Terrain: Wide ski trails, forested singletrack, and gravel road
Clearly marked with flags, tape, and signs
Course begins and ends at the Anderson Lake boat access site
Race Rules
IMPORTANT: This is not a traditional Backyard Ultra — please review carefully.
Race duration: 24 hours
One loop per hour on the hour (9:00 AM to 9:00 AM)
Must be in the corral at the bell to start each loop
No early or late starts
No personal aid during the loop
Headlamp required starting 7:00 PM
Must be 16 or older (under 18 needs guardian-signed waiver)
Winning:
Last person standing rule applies, winning runner must complete one solo lap
If multiple runners begin Lap 24, first to finish wins
All runners completing at least one lap get a wooden medal
No Pacers Allowed
Parking
Primary Parking: Up North Lodge Event Center Parking Lot
We will shuttle all runners and participants.
Shuttle schedule will be posted a week prior to event.
Camping
13 state campground sites available at Anderson Lake
Not reserved for the event — first-come, first-served
Reserve through DNR site
$20/day
Not located at basecamp — basecamp setup is strongly encouraged
OTHER LODGING OPTIONS
Water, Food & Self Support
One hand pump on site
Water & snacks provided at basecamp
Bring your own food and nutrition supplies for your race goals
Be self-sufficient!
Weather
Daytime highs may reach 60s, but expect night temps near freezing
Event is rain or shine, but we reserve the right to cancel for extreme weather
No refunds in case of cancellation
No Refund Policy
All registrations are non-refundable & non-transferable
No exceptions, including weather-related changes or participant dropouts
Awards
Every runner completing at least one loop gets a medal
One overall winner
If multiple runners begin Lap 24, the first to finish is the winner
Let’s Run Our Wild.
See you at Anderson Lake.
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