8 Hours of Ode is a “backyard” format ultra at the beautiful Holly State Recreation Area in Southeast Michigan — run a 4.167 mi. loop as much as you wish! Come join the fun!
Ode to Snow
Pick your favorite distance or run as much as you’d like, up to 8 hours on the famous Ode to Laz trail loop, starting each hour “Backyard Style”. Run continuous if you like that better, as far as you can in 8 hours. If you want to try the “Backyard” format, and then switch to continuous, feel free.
This is a great way to simulate the Ode to Laz as a tune up or just experience any distance you choose at your own pace on the great Ode course! The last lap time is coordinated with the dusk conditions you will experience on the last day trail lap at the July 10th Ode to Laz race.
There is no chip timing.
On-site runners can win entry into the Ode to Laz Backyard Ultra Golden Ticket race!!!
The Course
The 4.167 mile trail loop has approximately 450 feet of climbing, is 2/3 technical single track, 1/3 moderate walking/hiking path and a few hundred yards of pavement.
Reminder: This is winter in Michigan. You are advised to own traction aids for your shoes. No hiking poles are allowed.
Rules & Info
The first lap of the 8 hours and all the distance races start at 9:21 a.m. Saturday morning, the last lap will start at 4:21 p.m.
Contestants provide their own aid, pacers are not permitted unless a continuous format runner exceeds 10 laps.
Crew is permitted, not required. Crew may leave and come back if needed.
Racers get a chair/cooler space within 40 yards of the start/finish line. Parking for 1 vehicle for all active entrants at the start/finish venue is available, and we have space for 50 canopies up to 10’ x 10’ size, one per contestant, maximum 3 enclosed sides, first come first served. Almost certainly there will be room for all with racers willing to share. Camping is available in the McGinnis campgrounds at the North half of the park if you’re brave.
Alcohol is permitted.
Glass containers are prohibited.
Water is provided.
Coffee & Hot Soup is provided.
No hiking poles, no headphones on trails.
A headlamp or carry light will be required for all runners/pacers on the trail after 4:21 p.m. but you’ll finish prior to sunset.
You can switch from the “Backyard Format” to continuous if you wish, at any time, and your classification changes permanently to a “continous” runner. There is no switching from continuous to the “backyard” category after the start of the race, and no new laps start after 4:21pm. Continuous runners have infinite time to complete any last lap. (see prizes)
Prizes
Each prize winner gets bypass entry into the Ode to Laz Backyard Ultra race for FREE. All on-site runners completing their race or at least one Ode lap get a cool, collectible 8 Hours of Ode coffee mug!
On-site Male and female overall “distance” winners: Run in continuous status from the gun or transition from backyard style to continuous status any time. No additional laps start after 4:21 pm, and you are allowed infinite time to complete your last lap, however, in the event of a distance tie, the fastest last lap finisher wins.
On-site Male and Female Backyard Overall winners: A twist since there is a limit of 8 laps. Win the prize by accumulating the least total run time for all 8 laps. Otherwise, the total lap count leaders win the prize (we are assuming many will run all 8).
Note: If you are already entered into the Ode to Laz, your entry fee will be refunded.
If you switch mid-race from the “Backyard format” to continuous, you will remain in the continuous division. Once you are a “continuous” runner, you remain that even if you start taking breaks hourly with the “yards” runners.
One prize per person, no transfers.
Find Us
See our facebook page or join our group for the latest info and conversation.
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