The Backyard Squatch Ultra backyard style race was everything I expected from a backyard style race and a Sassquad Trail Runners’ event: great food, friendly and welcoming community, the most kind and helpful volunteers, and a top notch Race Director (Kim Levinsky) at the helm! The venue at Stokes State Forest was perfect for this style of race with a beautiful and runnable trail loop and an easy out and back on a road for the night laps. I really can't say enough great things about the Sassquad Trail Runners and this race. If you are looking to dip your toes in the backyard waters or dive in head first, I highly recommend checking out The Backyard Squatch Ultra!

“I just have to keep running. I can control that. That’s all I can do.” That’s the conclusion I came to at some point during the second day of the Backyard Squatch Ultra when I was beginning to lose hope and feared it was only a matter of time until I DNFed (Did Not Finish). That was my lowest point of the race, mentally at least, and thankfully it only lasted a couple hours until it passed and then we ran into a second night without sleep.

Read my full race report at:
https://www.beastcoasttrailrunning.com/2021/09/2021-backyard-squatch-ultra-paving-path.html