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Official Race Document

2027 ROO Race SeriesRunner Guide

Everything you need to know before race weekend.

When
June 25–26, 2027
Venue
Dutchman Creek Events Ponderosa
Address
57 Ponderosa Ranch RdClancy, MT 59634

Come Prepared. Race Self-Sufficiently.

Download Runner Guide (PDF)

Printable PDF · US Letter

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In This Guide

01

Official Event Schedule

All times are Mountain Daylight Time (MDT).

Friday

June 25, 2027

Trail Races

4:30–6:00 AM
50K check-in
6:00–7:30 AM
25K check-in
6:30 AM
50K start
8:00–9:30 AM
10K check-in
8:00 AM
25K start
10:00 AM
10K start
10:00–11:30 AM
Little ROO Mile check-in
12:00 PM
Little ROO Mile start
1:00 PM
Little ROO Mile cutoff
4:00 PM
50K, 25K & 10K finish cutoffFirm cutoff. Course sweep begins. Collect drop bags by this time whenever possible.

No late starts in any event. A runner who misses their scheduled start is recorded as DNS.

Backyard Ultra — Friday Check-In

5:30–6:15 PM
Competitor check-in
6:30 PM
Mandatory comprehensive briefingRanch house lawn.
~7:00 PM
Crew Corral opens for controlled unloading and setupAfter the briefing, once companion race traffic has cleared.
9:00 PM
Setup closes

No Crew Corral staging or setup before the briefing.

No overnight camping Friday night.

Saturday

June 26, 2027

Backyard Ultra — Race Day

7:00–8:00 AM
Limited competitor check-inPermitted only during this window.
9:00 AM
All Crew Corral setup complete
9:00–9:15 AM
Mandatory final briefingCrew Corral. Required for ALL Backyard Ultra competitors, including those who attended Friday.
10:00 AM
Backyard Ultra begins
  • Friday’s 6:30 PM briefing is the comprehensive Backyard Ultra briefing. Saturday’s 9:00 AM briefing is the final briefing for all Backyard Ultra competitors, including those who attended Friday. Both are mandatory.
  • Saturday morning Backyard Ultra check-in is permitted only during the 7:00–8:00 AM window.

02

Registration & Check-In

Bib Pickup

  • Every competitor must personally check in and pick up their own race bib.
  • Your name is verified against the registration roster. No photo ID is required.
  • No third-party bib pickup.
  • No late starts in any event. A runner who misses their scheduled start is recorded as DNS.

Minors & Waivers

  • Minors may participate in the longer events with parent or legal guardian consent.
  • The Little ROO Mile is for ages 12 and under.
  • Liability waivers and guardian consent are completed electronically during registration. No additional race-day waiver signing is planned.

Registration Policy

  • All registrations are final.
  • No refunds, cancellations for refund, or registration transfers.
  • Registrations may not be sold, gifted, or reassigned.
  • If an event is changed or cancelled, refunds are not guaranteed, except where required by applicable law.

03

The Races

Five races across two days. Friday belongs to the trail races; Saturday belongs to the ROO Backyard Ultra.

Ultra

Friday, June 25

50K Trail Race

Our flagship mountain ultra built for runners who want to earn every mile across the Montana backcountry.

Check-in
4:30–6:00 AM
Start
Fri 6:30 AM
Cutoff
4:00 PM
Aid
Main + 1 remote

Aid & Support

  • A fully staffed main aid station at the start/finish, which runners pass through during the race.
  • One lightly staffed remote aid station with approximately 1–2 staff.
  • Aid stations provide water, select electrolytes, and limited snacks and nutrition.
  • Carry sufficient hydration and nutrition to get between stations.
  • Drop bags are permitted at the main start/finish aid station only. See the drop bag rules in the Aid section.

Check-in 4:30–6:00 AM · Start 6:30 AM · Cutoff 4:00 PM

Register→

Trail

Friday, June 25

25K Trail Race

Enough distance to challenge you. Enough speed to race. The perfect balance of adventure and competition.

Check-in
6:00–7:30 AM
Start
Fri 8:00 AM
Cutoff
4:00 PM
Aid
Main + 1 remote

Aid & Support

  • A fully staffed main aid station at the start/finish, which runners pass through during the race.
  • One lightly staffed remote aid station with approximately 1–2 staff.
  • Aid stations provide water, select electrolytes, and limited snacks and nutrition.
  • Carry sufficient hydration and nutrition to get between stations.
  • Drop bags are permitted at the main start/finish aid station only. See the drop bag rules in the Aid section.

Check-in 6:00–7:30 AM · Start 8:00 AM · Cutoff 4:00 PM

Register→

Trail

Friday, June 25

10K Trail Race

Fast, approachable, and every bit as memorable. A perfect introduction to the ROO Race Series.

Check-in
8:00–9:30 AM
Start
Fri 10:00 AM
Cutoff
4:00 PM
Aid
At finish

Aid & Support

  • Main start/finish support is primarily available after you finish.
  • No on-course aid station is guaranteed.
  • Carry adequate hydration, nutrition, and personal supplies for the full distance.

Check-in 8:00–9:30 AM · Start 10:00 AM · Cutoff 4:00 PM

Register→

Kids Mile

Friday, June 25

Little ROO Mile

A one-mile race built for young runners, big smiles, and the beginning of lifelong memories.

Ages
12 & under
Check-in
10:00–11:30 AM
Start
Fri 12:00 PM
Cutoff
1:00 PM

Race Details

  • Open to runners ages 12 and under.
  • The Little ROO Mile start and finish are separate from, but adjacent to, the main start/finish.
  • One parent or guardian may accompany a child on course.
  • A parent or guardian must be present at the start and the finish.
  • Support is available at the start/finish.
  • Every child who finishes receives a small keepsake.

Check-in 10:00–11:30 AM · Start 12:00 PM · Cutoff 1:00 PM

Register→

Last One Standing

Saturday, June 26

ROO Backyard Ultra

One 4.17-mile loop every hour until only one runner remains. It's not about speed. It's about refusing to quit.

Loop
4.17 miles
Interval
Every hour
Start
Sat 10:00 AM
Prize
$10,000

The Format

The ROO Backyard Ultra is a Last One Standing race. There is no set distance and no finish line. Every hour, on the hour, a new lap begins and every remaining competitor runs the same 4.17-mile loop.

Finish the loop inside the hour and you remain eligible for the next one. Whatever time is left before the next start is yours to rest, eat, and reset. Fail to finish inside the hour and your race is over.

Lap Rules

  • A new lap starts every hour, on the hour.
  • Each lap must be completed within the hour to remain eligible.
  • Be ready to start each successive lap at the official start.
  • Same course as 2026, run in the same direction every lap.
  • No pacers.
  • Your assigned bib must remain visible throughout the race.

Winning

  • The winner must complete one more lap than every other competitor.
  • If two runners start a lap and only one completes it, that runner wins.
  • If a single remaining runner starts the next lap, they must complete it to win.
  • If no competitor completes the final lap, there is no winner.
  • The $10,000 prize goes exclusively to the official Last One Standing winner and is not split.

Entirely Self-Supported

Bring all of your own food, water, electrolytes, clothing, lighting, and other supplies. Race organizers may provide very limited supplemental resources, but none are guaranteed.

There is no mandatory equipment list. See Recommended Equipment.

Check-in Fri 5:30–6:15 PM · Sat 7:00–8:00 AM (limited) · Start 10:00 AM · Cutoff Every hour

Register→

04

Course Rules

Staying On Course

  • Courses are marked with flags, directional signage, and reflective markers.
  • Stay on the marked route.
  • If you leave the route, return to the exact point where you left it before continuing. Failure to do so may result in disqualification.

Pacers, Gear & Bibs

  • No pacers in the 50K, 25K, 10K, or Backyard Ultra.
  • The Little ROO Mile permits one accompanying parent or guardian.
  • Trekking poles are permitted.
  • Headphones are permitted as long as you can still hear staff and surrounding activity.
  • Assigned bibs must remain visible throughout the 50K, 25K, 10K, and Backyard Ultra.

Outside Assistance

  • Personal crew assistance is permitted only in designated crew areas.
  • Unauthorized outside assistance may result in penalties or disqualification at the Race Director’s discretion.
  • Emergency assistance is always permitted.

Private Land & Traffic

  • Most trails are on private property. Stay within designated event areas.
  • Some sections of the 50K, 25K, and 10K may be adjacent to vehicle traffic, and active road crossings are possible.
  • Stay alert, follow signs and staff directions, and yield to vehicle traffic as appropriate.
  • Yield to emergency vehicles, horses, livestock, and active ranch operations.

05

Aid & Drop Bags

Come Prepared. Race Self-Sufficiently.

Every competitor must bring sufficient hydration, nutrition, equipment, and weather protection for their race. Aid stations supplement personal preparation. They are not a substitute for it.

50K & 25K

  • Fully staffed main aid station at the start/finish, passed during the race.
  • One lightly staffed remote aid station (approximately 1–2 staff).
  • Water, select electrolytes, and limited snacks and nutrition.
  • Carry enough to get between stations.

10K

  • Main start/finish support, primarily after finishing.
  • No on-course aid station is guaranteed.
  • Carry what you need for the full distance.

Little ROO Mile

  • Start/finish support available.

Backyard Ultra

  • Entirely self-supported.
  • Very limited supplemental resources may be available, but none are guaranteed.

Drop Bags — 50K & 25K Only

  • Permitted at the main start/finish aid station only. No remote aid station drop bags.
  • Drop your bag during your race’s check-in window.
  • Label it with your name, bib number, and race distance.
  • Your bag is accessible each time you pass through the main aid station.
  • Collect your bag by 4:00 PM Friday whenever possible.
  • Remaining bags are held at the main aid station for collection before you leave the venue.
  • ROO Race Series is not responsible for bags left behind.

06

Cutoffs & Withdrawals

Friday Trail Races

  • The 50K, 25K, and 10K share a firm 4:00 PM finish cutoff on Friday.
  • There are no intermediate aid station cutoffs for the 50K or 25K.
  • Staff begin a course sweep at 4:00 PM.
  • Runners still on course at the cutoff are recorded as DNF and must walk out, following sweep staff instructions.
  • If a runner is injured or unable to walk safely, emergency personnel will coordinate appropriate assistance.
  • The Little ROO Mile cutoff is 1:00 PM.

Withdrawing

  • If you withdraw, notify an official race staff member or aid station volunteer before leaving the venue.
  • Backyard Ultra runners who are eliminated or withdraw must report their status to race officials before departing.
  • Never leave without being accounted for.

07

Backyard Ultra Crew Corral & Setup

Backyard Ultra Only

Every Friday and Saturday Crew Corral setup instruction in this section applies exclusively to Backyard Ultra competitors and their crews. The 50K, 25K, 10K, and Little ROO Mile do not use the Backyard Ultra Crew Corral setup procedures.

The Crew Corral is home base for every Backyard Ultra competitor and crew. Every competitor returns here between laps, and it remains operational throughout the Backyard Ultra, including overnight as the competition continues.

Assigned Spaces

  • Spaces are preassigned and numbered by race organizers after registration closes.
  • Spaces are not first come, first served.
  • Staff will direct you to your assigned space. Physical maps are provided at check-in.

Traveling Together?

Competitors traveling together may request neighboring spaces by email before registration closes. Neighboring assignments are not guaranteed. Email support@rooraceseries.com.

ROO Base Camp

Backyard Ultra Exclusive

Arrive. Settle In. Race.

We handle the equipment and the setup. You focus on racing.

Skip buying, packing, hauling, and pitching your own camping gear. Your Base Camp is prepared in your assigned Backyard Ultra Crew Corral space before you arrive.

$250

Per package. Your final total, including any applicable taxes or fees, is shown at checkout.

Limited initial availability. Packages are offered while they last.

What's Included

  • One camping tent
  • Two camping chairs
  • One camping table
  • One cooler
  • One bag of ice
  • Complete setup before you arrive

Rental Terms

  • Available exclusively to Backyard Ultra competitors and their crews.
  • Equipment is rented for race weekend. It remains on-site and is not transferred to the purchaser.
  • Your Base Camp is prepared in your assigned Backyard Ultra Crew Corral space.
  • All Crew Corral access times still apply, including the mandatory Friday briefing and controlled setup procedures. Base Camp does not grant early access to the Crew Corral.

How To Reserve

  • Registering for the Backyard Ultra? Add ROO Base Camp during your UltraSignup registration.
  • Already registered? Purchase ROO Base Camp through the ROO Race Series event store on UltraSignup.
Full Base Camp Details→

Friday Setup

Backyard Ultra · June 25

  1. 01Check in (5:30–6:15 PM).
  2. 02Attend the mandatory comprehensive briefing (6:30 PM, ranch house lawn).
  3. 03After the briefing, once companion race traffic has cleared, controlled unloading opens near the Crew Corral (approximately 7:00 PM).
  4. 04Unload promptly, then move your vehicle to designated parking.
  5. 05Follow staff directions to your assigned space and complete setup before 9:00 PM.
  6. 06Leave the property for overnight accommodations. No overnight camping Friday night.

Saturday Setup

Backyard Ultra · June 26

  1. 01Limited arrival and check-in, 7:00–8:00 AM only.
  2. 02Use designated parking where available. If parking is unavailable, a controlled short-duration drop-off may be permitted.
  3. 03Staff will direct you to your assigned space. Gear wagons are recommended.
  4. 04All setup must be complete by 9:00 AM.
  5. 05Attend the mandatory final briefing (9:00–9:15 AM, Crew Corral). Required for all competitors, including Friday attendees.
  6. 06The Backyard Ultra begins at 10:00 AM.

Corral Rules

  • No early staging, setup, or equipment drop-offs before the Friday briefing.
  • No vehicles inside the Crew Corral, and no extended vehicle staging.
  • Keep emergency access lanes and walkways clear at all times.

During The Race

  • Tents, chairs, coolers, and canopies may remain in the Crew Corral overnight.
  • Crews and spectators may come and go, including overnight, subject to traffic management.
  • Enter and exit without obstructing competitors, start areas, or emergency access.
  • Staff may temporarily restrict access for safety.

Packing Up

  • Eliminated runners are welcome to remain and support others for a reasonable period.
  • When you are ready to pack up, begin breakdown just after the start of a new lap to minimize disruption.
  • Remove all of your belongings before departing.

08

Parking, Venue & Facilities

The Venue

Dutchman Creek Events Ponderosa

57 Ponderosa Ranch RdClancy, MT 59634

Parking

Friday Trail Races

  • Two designated parking lots serve runners, crews, and spectators. The first lot fills before the second opens.
  • One lot is approximately a quarter mile from the main start/finish.
  • Parking is first come, first served.
  • No driving into active runner areas. Walk or carry your equipment from parking.

Backyard Ultra

  • Backyard unloading is separate from Friday race parking. See the Backyard Ultra Crew Corral & Setup section.
  • Friday: controlled unloading near the Crew Corral after the evening briefing, then move to designated parking.
  • Saturday: designated parking where available, or a controlled short-duration drop-off if parking is unavailable.
  • No vehicles inside the Crew Corral.

Facilities

  • Portable toilets and handwashing stations are available throughout the weekend, including overnight.
  • There is no general-purpose running water and no showers.
  • Drinking water at designated companion race aid stations is separate from general facility water access.
  • Select food vendors may be present. Bring your own food, beverages, coolers, and chairs.

Event Policies

  • No pets anywhere on event grounds.
  • Spectators are welcome in designated spectator areas.
  • ROO takes place on a private ranch. Respect the property and stay within designated event areas.
  • Follow all event staff instructions.
  • Leave No Trace. Remove your trash.
  • Do not block emergency routes, access lanes, or walkways.
  • No overnight camping Friday night.
  • Overnight Crew Corral use is permitted Saturday night while the Backyard Ultra continues.

09

Safety & Emergency Information

ROO takes place on private Montana ranchland, and conditions can change quickly. Every participant is responsible for preparing for the terrain, the weather, and their own limits.

Montana Weather

Expect variable conditions across race weekend: daytime heat, cold nighttime temperatures, wind, sudden thunderstorms, and possible wildfire smoke. Plan clothing and layers for the full range.

Lightning

Thunderstorms can build quickly in the mountains. Follow all staff instructions during lightning activity, including any hold or suspension of racing.

Terrain

Trails include uneven surfaces and loose rocks, and can become slippery when wet. Watch your footing, especially when fatigued or running in the dark.

Wildlife & Livestock

You are running through working Montana ranch country. Stay aware of your surroundings, give wildlife space, and yield to horses and livestock.

Hydration & Nutrition

Plan your hydration, electrolytes, and calories for your distance and the conditions. Aid stations supplement your preparation; they do not replace it.

Personal Responsibility

Know your limits and your health. Stop and seek help if something is wrong. Look out for fellow runners on course.

In An Emergency

  • Emergency personnel will be on site throughout race weekend.
  • For a life-threatening emergency, call 911 immediately, then notify race staff when it is safe to do so.
  • For any other injury or illness, notify the nearest race staff member or aid station volunteer.
  • If you come across a runner in distress, stay with them if it is safe to do so and alert the next staff member or runner you see.

Medical Decisions

  • On-site emergency personnel may immediately stop a competitor from continuing when it is medically unsafe. Competitors must comply.
  • The Race Director retains authority over eligibility, subject to medical safety determinations.

Race Director Authority

  • The Race Director has final authority to delay, suspend, modify, or cancel an event for weather, trail conditions, wildfire smoke, safety, or operational reasons.
  • The Race Director may modify courses, distances, and race operations.
  • All staff instructions must be followed.

Conduct & Disputes

  • Alcohol and recreational drug use are prohibited while actively competing. Impaired competitors may be removed.
  • Harassment, threats, deliberate interference, property damage, and refusal to follow instructions are prohibited.
  • The Race Director may disqualify runners or remove crew and spectators for misconduct.
  • Disputes about results, lap counts, placements, or rule enforcement go directly to the Race Director. The Race Director’s decisions are final.

10

Recommended Equipment

There is no mandatory equipment list. These are recommendations.

Backyard Ultra

Self-supported, through the night. Plan for heat, cold, and everything between.

  • Headlamp and backup lighting
  • Spare batteries or charging equipment
  • Hydration bottles or vest
  • Electrolytes
  • Adequate calories and nutrition
  • Extra shoes and socks
  • Warm layers
  • Rain protection
  • Sun protection
  • Tent or canopy
  • Chairs
  • Cooler
  • First aid essentials
  • Recovery equipment
  • Wagon or equipment cart

50K & 25K

  • Hydration vest or bottles sized for the distance between aid stations
  • Personal nutrition and electrolytes
  • Labeled drop bag (optional, start/finish only)
  • Trail shoes suited to rocky, uneven terrain
  • Light wind or rain layer
  • Sun protection: hat, sunglasses, sunscreen

10K

  • Hydration and nutrition for the full distance
  • Trail shoes suited to rocky, uneven terrain
  • Sun protection: hat, sunglasses, sunscreen

Little ROO Mile

  • Comfortable running shoes
  • Water before and after the race
  • Sun protection

11

Awards & Results

50K, 25K & 10K

  • Top three male and top three female finishers are recognized in each distance.
  • Podium photos take place approximately 15 minutes after the third-place finisher in each category finishes.
  • All official finishers receive a commemorative keepsake.
  • Prize packages are still being finalized.

Little ROO Mile

  • Every finisher receives a small keepsake.

Backyard Ultra

  • $10,000 to the official Last One Standing winner, exclusively. The prize is not split.

ROO Crew Showdown

  • Winners are announced online after race weekend. There is no separate on-site awards ceremony.

Official Results

  • Official race results are published on the ROO Race Series website and UltraSignup after the events.
  • 50K, 25K, and 10K: finishing times and placements.
  • Backyard Ultra: completed laps and standings.
  • All results are subject to official verification.

12

Coming Soon & Contact

Coming Soon

Not yet published. This guide will be updated as each is ready.

  • Final course mapsPending
  • GPX downloadsPending
  • Strava routesPending
  • Elevation profilesPending
  • Final aid station locations and mile markersPending
  • Road-crossing detailsPending

Provided At Check-In

Handed out on race day where applicable.

  • Parking layout
  • Physical runner maps
  • Backyard Ultra Crew Corral space assignments

Questions about race weekend? Email support@rooraceseries.com.

Register For ROO 2027 →Download Runner Guide (PDF)