
From the Organizer
When & Where: Greenville, South Carolina, Pleasant Ridge Camp and Retreat Center starting at 8:00am, January 30th 2027
Greenville County Recreation presents an endurance race that will be sure to test your limits, the Pleasant Ridge Backyard Ultra! A race that is not about who is the fastest but who can endure the longest and will test even the toughest of athletes mental grit. The race format is one for everyone! You do not have to be an ultra runner to participate. We want anyone and everyone who is interested in running to come try for their personal best distance.
What is a backyard ultra? It is simple, run as many 4.167 mile laps every hour on the hour until you are no longer able to continue. If a runner is unable to complete a lap or returns after the hour is up they will be given a DNF. The last person running who is able complete a full lap will be declared the winner. There are no runner categories, every runner starts at the same time.
Course Summary: The Pleasant Ridge Backyard ultra will feature sections of the JFA trail and paved paths. It will be a beautiful and challenging course.
Entry Fee:
Early registration before Aug 31, 2026: 75.00
Registration after Aug 31: 85.00
Schedule:
January 29 | Friday
Early bib pickup and racer aid station setup will be available on Friday January 29th from 10:00am - 5:00pm. Aid station will be first come first serve. If using a pop-up tent please bring something to secure it down.
January 30 | Saturday
6:30- 7:30 am- Runner check-in and bib pick up
7:30 am- Runner information meeting
8:00 am- Race officially starts (No late starts will be accepted)
January 31| Sunday
Race continues
*The event is open-ended and will continue until one participant remains.
DNF Prize: Most races you do not get anything for finishing as a DNF. In this race however the DNF is a trophy in of itself. It means that you tried your hardest and tested your limits. Every runner will receive a DNF camp mug and T-shirt. The winner of the race will receive a finisher award.
Events
Weather
It's too far out for a forecast, so here's what weather on this date is normally like in the area. A race day forecast will replace this as race week approaches.
Typical High
45°
Typical Low
28°
Chance of Rain
32%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Caesars Head, 8 mi from the venue.
Host City
Elevation
1,081 ft
Nearest Airport
GSP
Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport · 19 mi
Major Hub
CLT
Charlotte Douglas International Airport · 90 mi
Time Zone
Eastern Time
From Endurance Grid
Line up lodging and travel early to lock in your race weekend.
Race Location
Your Next Start Line
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at Pleasant Ridge Backyard Ultra, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
236
Days to train
Coming Up
Project SC - One Mile Challenge - GVL
13 miles away
Friday Night Lights 5k
5 miles away
Jones Gap Trail Half Marathon
Less than a mile away
Ville to Ville Sprint Relay
5 miles away
From Endurance Grid
Endurance Grid is here to help you understand the sport, decide if it's the right fit, and learn how to prepare. For course distances, logistics, and race-day specifics, always defer to the race organizer's event page.
With running, there's a distance for every fitness level, a community at every start line, and nothing beats the feeling of crossing a finish line you trained for.
Running is an endurance sport that rewards consistency, and showing up every week compounds in ways that will surprise you.
From 5K to marathon, running races are the most accessible entry point into endurance sport. There's a distance for every fitness level and a community at every start line.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Pleasant Ridge Backyard Ultra
Jan 30, 2027