Smithers, BC  ·  Backyard Ultra

Roots,Ridges &Regrets

One yard. Every hour. Until only one remains.

But not the ultra you think — ultra fun, ultra inclusive, and ultra social. Join us to celebrate running and pushing your limits. And the regrets? They're not for stopping. They're for never starting.

Sept 12 9:00amstart 2026year 6 kmper yard 80runners max
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About the Race

No finish line.
Just one more yard.

Roots, Ridges and Regrets is a Backyard Ultra held on private trails in Driftwood community just outside Smithers, BC. Every hour, runners complete a 6 km loop through stunning northern BC terrain. Miss the start of the next yard and you're out.

The winner is the last person running — the one who completes one more yard than everyone else. It's not about speed. It's about grit, community, and the willingness to take one more yard.

Now in its second year, Registration is now open. The race is capped at 80 runners and hosted by the Smithers Run Club.

After registering, please join our instagram community

Instagram: @rootsridgesregrets
$60Entry Fee
80Runner Cap
6kmPer Yard
∞Possible Yards
2026 2nd Annual Smithers, British Columbia Register

How It Works

The Backyard Ultra format, explained.

Simple rules. Brutal consequences.

01

A yard every hour

Each yard is a 6 km loop. A new yard starts at the top of every hour — you must complete it and be back at the start before the next one begins.

02

Miss the start, you're out

If you're not at the start line when the next yard begins, your race is over. No exceptions.

03

Last one standing wins

The winner is the person who completes one more yard than every other runner. There is one winner and one "assist" — the last person to drop.

04

Family yard included

One designated yard each day will be a family yard — kids are welcome to run with the big dogs.

Course Details

Location6440 Old Babine Lake Road
Smithers, BC
Yard Distance6 km per yard (2 loops)
Start TimeSaturday, Sept 12, 2026
9:00 am
TerrainTrail — private property
First AidOn-site throughout event
Music & MCAll night — no silence
Beer Garden(in the works)

Registration

Claim your spot in the dirt.

Registration is Open. Spots are capped at 80 — first come, first in.

$60per runner
●  Spots filling fast — cap of 80 runners
🌲Entry to all yards
🎵DJ music / dance
🏆Winner And Assist Trophies
🎷Start ceremony
🧦Pass It On Prize Table
🧦Participant Race Kit
Register Now

Volunteer

The race runs on community.

Roots, Ridges and Regrets wouldn't exist without an incredible crew of volunteers. Whether you're a night owl, a first-aider, or just love being part of something special — we need you.

Volunteers receive race swag, food and drink access, and the undying gratitude of every runner who makes it through the night.


Sign Up to Volunteer

Volunteer Roles

Course Marshall (day & night shifts)
Outfitting Crew (Purchasing Supplies)
Yard Crew (Set-up & Registration)
Start/Finish Line Crew
Course Crew (Set-up & Tear-down)
Race Package Handout&Prizes
Aid Station Support
Trail Medic &First Aid
Social Media / Photographer

Previous Years

2025 Race Results.

The inaugural Roots, Ridges and Regrets drew 46 finishers across all categories. Brandin Lilgert took the overall win with 20 yards — running through the night and then some.

Download Full Results PDF
2 Ashlie Ferguson 19 yards · Open Women
1 Brandin Lilgert 20 yards · Open Men
3 Nina Lennie 18 yards · Open Women
Cat.OverallNameAgeCityYards
12Ashlie Ferguson38Cumberland19
23Nina Lennie27Smithers18
35Zoe Painter28Smithers17
49Brooke Haberstock33Telkwa14
512Sarah Newton57Smithers13
614Jessica Cullen36Smithers12
614Kerstin Swanson31Smithers12
614Diana Zylik32Smithers12
918Helene Fleury55Smithers11
1019Heather Potkins25Smithers10
1123Ashley Gorges40Smithers9
1123Emma Hoffman42Smithers9
1123Sarah Langford41Smithers9
1426Jill Sader27Smithers8
1529Hannah Reinholt34Telkwa7
1631Sandi Bock56Smithers5
1631Andrea Dunbar44Smithers5
1631Thoenn Glover36Smithers5
1936Mikayla Adema37Smithers3
1936Emma Jacobsen32Smithers3
1936Lauren MacNeil34Smithers3
2242Diana Weymar——1
Cat.OverallNameAgeCityYards
11Brandin Lilgert40Smithers20
24Cormac Hikisch51Smithers18
35Danny Fredrickson42Kitimat17
35Daniel Helm34Smithers17
35Colin McCormick42Kitimat17
69Roger McMillan44Telkwa14
69Teagan O'Shaughnessy28Smithers14
812Cameron York32Smithers13
919Digby Bennner29Smithers10
919Russell Buri45Smithers10
919Patrick Williston53Smithers10
1226Matt Sear49Smithers8
1226Duran Hurry40Smithers8
1430Caleb Fossl30Kitimat6
1531Brett Casey40Terrace5
1531Samuel Pavez27Smithers5
1736Warren Mattes41Kitimat3
1736Alex Nemethy28Smithers3
Cat.OverallNameAgeCityYards
114Mark Gillis48Smithers12
Cat.OverallNameAgeCityYards
141Eden Dunbar18Smithers2

Sponsors & Partners

Made possible by the community.

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FAQ

Common questions.

What is a Backyard Ultra?

Runners complete a 6 km yard every hour until only one person remains. There's no set distance — the last person standing wins after completing one more yard than everyone else.

Can youth participate?

Runners 16 and over are welcome to participate. One yard per day is designated as a family yard where younger children can run with a guardian.

Is there food on site?

Yes! More information to be shared soon.

What's the refund policy?

For refund, deferral, or transfer requests, reach out to us at rootsridgesregrets@gmail.com — we'll do our best to take care of you.

Get in Touch

We'd love to hear from you.

Race Director / MC Rory Luxmoore
Production Manager Matt Kingsmill
Volunteer Directors Brooke Haberstock & Amanda Dorscht
Photographer / Social Media Lou Hartling-Sippel
Instagram @rootsridgesregrets