Welcome to the 2026 Layers of Pain Backyard Ultramarathon!
Your favourite local sufferfest is back for another year of challenge and triumph at our beloved Onion Lakes Ski Trails on June 19th-21st, 2026.
The backyard ultramarathon format is simple: run the designated 6.7-km loop every hour, on the hour, for as many or as few loops as you can or want to do, with an exciting mass start each loop! Challenge yourself to “go long” and set a new personal record, or just enjoy a fun trail run with friends – the choice is yours! But beware, once you start, the temptation to run “just one more lap” will be strong, and you might end up setting a new PR whether you plan to or not.
All participants will receive a t-shirt (and/or similar swag TBD) and the winner will receive a trophy and be enshrined in glory. There will be basic snacks available on race day, as well as water, electrolyte drinks, door prizes, and a photo booth. Don’t forget to bring a chair, cooler, tent, etc. for down-time between loops.
Date: June 19-21
Location: Onion Lake Ski Trails
Register: Sign up here to join in on the fun!
Early bird pricing is $65 until May 20th, after that regular pricing is $75 until the registration deadline is June 14th. Any excess funds collected will be donated to the Snow Valley Nordic Valley Ski Club, who graciously maintains the Onion Lake trail network .
Race Weekend Schedule:
June 19th
Starting at 4:00pm, runners and support teams can arrive to set up camp in designated camping spots (first come first choice)
June 20th
Runners who did not camp should arrive at 8:00am to pick up race kits; 8:30am there will be a runner briefing; and 9:00am the first Layer of Pain loop begins!
June 21st
The race will end when the last runner completes their final loop solo, to a maximum of 24 loops
Visit the Facebook Event to learn more:
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