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.
Our Oak Flats 3HR option is a great ways to experience a backyard event if you’d like to experiment with one, two or three loops but aren’t sure how far you want to go.
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!
Ode to Laz Details
- The race follows the traditional theme of Laz Lake’s original Big Dog’s Backyard Ultra
- Repeat as long as you wish
- Be standing at the start line every hour to continue the race and complete your next lap
- Complete each lap within the hour, with no outside assistance
- The “last runner standing” to complete one more lap than all other contestants wins!
Rules & Info
- Contestants provide their own aid, pacers are not permitted
- Crew is permitted, not required. Crew may leave and come back if needed.
- Parking for 1 vehicle overnight for all full event entrants at the start/finish venue is available, 10’x10′ canopy or tent space is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Camping is available in the McGinnis campgrounds at the North half of the park.
- Additional parking during daylight hours is available for fans and supporters.
- Alcohol is permitted.
- Glass containers are prohibited.
- Water is provided.
- 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
4.167 Mile Night Loop:
This course will run the classic out and back night loop to fisherman’s bridge
250 feet of climbing on the park road
Prizes
On-site runners get their prize gift as selected during registration and receive this at check-in. The winner and any sole assist get the coveted Ode champion’s varsity jacket. The “last runner standing” will receive free individual entry to an Ode race of their choice for the following 12 months. The assist gets 75% off an Ode backyard individual entry (assist ties all get 50% off). Virtual runners are not eligible for prizes or at-large backyard rankings/qualification.
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 per-car park entry fee is charged by the state and not included in the race entry. Have your recreation passport, or consider an out of state passport if you’ll be in the park enough days to justify it
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.
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Great Race!
Made my personal goal of running 100 miles, met some great folks doing it. Everyone was really friendly and those that ran before were good about sharing advice. I ran … MORE
Made my personal goal of running 100 miles, met some great folks doing it. Everyone was really friendly and those that ran before were good about sharing advice. I ran this race with a couple of friends, we trained together for it.