2026 Somba K'e Backyard Ultra

The Territory's first Backyard Ultra, held at the Yellowknife Ski Club.
Registration opens Monday, May 25th, 2026The 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<span class="fr-mk" style="display:none;"> </span><span class="fr-mk" style="display:none;"> </span><span class="fr-mk" style="display:none;"> </span><span class="fr-mk" style="display:none;"> </span><span class="fr-mk" style="display:none;"> </span><span class="fr-mk" style="display:none;"> </span><span class="fr-mk" style="display:none;"> </span><span class="fr-mk" style="display:none;"> </span><span class="fr-mk" style="display:none;"> </span><span class="fr-mk" style="display:none;"> </span>
Course:<span class="fr-mk" style="display:none;"> </span><span class="fr-mk" style="display:none;"> </span><span class="fr-mk" style="display:none;"> </span><span class="fr-mk" style="display:none;"> </span><span class="fr-mk" style="display:none;"> </span><span class="fr-mk" style="display:none;"> </span><span class="fr-mk" style="display:none;"> </span><span class="fr-mk" style="display:none;"> </span><span class="fr-mk" style="display:none;"> </span><span class="fr-mk" style="display:none;"> </span><span class="fr-mk" style="display:none;"> </span><span class="fr-mk" style="display:none;"> </span>Rules:Race Starts at 8:00 amEvery lap begins on the hour, every hour.You must be in the starting chute at the top of the hour to begin your lap.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.Crew is not allowed anywhere on the course other than at the start/finish line.Pacers are not allowed. Non-registered runners are not allowed to run on the course to support a registered runner.Runners must stay on course at all times, except at the start/finish line. Runners may not cut the course at any point.Runners need to start the next lap on the hour mark and must finish by the next hour mark.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.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.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. All other runners will be deemed DNF. Poles are allowed, but runners must be mindful of their use and effect on others. Headlamps are mandatory after 8:00 pmBibs are non-transferable. Only registered runners. Dogs are not allowed on course.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.)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.