Ode to Laz Michigan Backyard Ultra Holly, MI   Jul 19, 2025

Welcome to the “Ode to Laz”. The event where “Finishing Last Means the Most”®

It’s not just for ultra runners! It’s for everyone to find their own limits if they’d like.

The single loop options and the Oak Flats 3HR are great ways to experience a backyard event.

Escape the heat (most years) and join us at our beautiful venue for the amazing, 5 star rated, Ode to Laz Michigan Backyard Ultra event. We guarantee this will be the best event you’ve attended, or we will let you double your laps for free before you DNF!

The Ode to Laz is a Big’s Backyard affiliated race, so your results count towards any “at large” championship consideration.

The race follows the traditional theme of Laz Lake’s original Big Dog’s Backyard Ultra:

• Start: Saturday 9:00 a.m. contestants start a 4.167 mile trail route
• Repeat as long as you wish
• Be standing at the start line every hour to continue the race and complete your next lap
• At 9:00 p.m. we switch to a paved closed park road, then back to the trail again at 9:00 a.m.
• Complete each lap within the hour, with no outside assistance
• The “last runner standing” to complete one more lap than all other contestants wins!

Try one loop with our Single Loop option – You’ll run from Oak Flats.

Want to run up to three loops depending on how you feel and then enjoy the party? Or run then crew? Select the Oak Flats 3HR option! – You’ll run from Oak Flats. If this is your first backyard, we’ll even let you run further than 3 loops if you’re feeling good.

Rules & Info:

1. Contestants provide their own aid, pacers are not permitted.
2. Crew is permitted, not required, may change and is limited to 1 designated crew member per contestant at all times. Crew may leave and come back if needed.
3. Racers are allotted a chair/cooler space within 40 yards of the start/finish line. Parking for 1 vehicle overnight for all entrants at the start/finish venue is available, and we have space for 50 open sided canopies up to 10’ x 10’ size, one per contestant, first come first served. Camping is available in the McGinnis campgrounds at the North half of the park.
4. Additional parking during daylight hours is available for fans and supporters.
5. Permanent park bathrooms will be available and open during the event at the start/finish.
6. Alcohol is permitted.
7. Glass containers are prohibited.
8. Water is provided.
9. Coffee is provided.
10. No hiking poles, no headphones on trails

The Course
The 4.167 Mile Trail Loop:
– Approximately 350 feet of climbing
– 2/3 technical single track & 1/3 moderate walking/hiking path and a few hundred yards of pavement
– There are bathrooms along the course at various locations

Even Years 4.167 Mile Night Loop:
– Approximately 120 feet of climbing on a paved road within the park
– Closed to traffic after 10 PM

Odd Years:
– This course will run the classic out and back night loop to fisherman’s bridge
– 250 feet of climbing on the park road

Prizes
Every participant gets a coveted Ode Ski hat or tech running cap as you choose. The winner and any sole assist get the coveted Ode champion’s varsity jacket. The “last runner standing” will receive free entry to an ode race of their choice for the following 12 months. The assist gets 75% off an Ode backyard (assist ties all get 50% off).

Activities/Lodging
Holly State Recreation Area provides over 8000 acres of hiking, fishing, boating and swimming fun for all ages. A public beach area with concessions, non-motorized boat rentals, and the “Whoa Zone” water obstacle park is suitable for all ages. A daily $9 per car fee is charged by the state and not included in the race entry.

Hotels and dining options are available within 15 minutes drive from the event venue. McGinnis campground at the North half of the recreation area is also available for overnight car/tent/RV camping for friends, family, and contestants who have dropped.