8 Hours of Ode | Ode in the Snow

Aid, crew and camping

• Contestants provide their own aid. Pacers are not permitted unless a continuous format runner exceeds 10 laps.
• Crew is permitted, not required, and may leave and come back if needed.
• Racers get a chair/cooler space within 40 yards of the start/finish line. Canopies up to 10’ x 10’, one per contestant, are allowed, and enclosed sides are allowed to keep you warm.
• Gas or fuel camp stoves are allowed if you have a fire extinguisher. No charcoal or wood fires are permitted except in designated campground fire facilities.
• Spaces are first come, first served, with room for all racers.
• Camping is prohibited in the race start/finish area and parking lot, but is available in the McGinnis campgrounds at the north half of the park.
• Water and coffee are provided.

On-site ultra

• On-site ultra prize winners win entry into their choice of the year's Ode to Laz Backyard Ultra races for $15.
• Ultra runners who complete their race or at least one Ode loop receive an awesome collectible Ode mug.

Shorter distances

• 5k, 10k, and 4.17-mile runners receive an Ode race medal.

On-site male and female overall distance winners

• To win an entry prize, you must complete at least 9 laps.
• Run in continuous status from the gun, or transition from Backyard style to continuous at any time.
• No additional laps start after 4:20 pm, and you are allowed infinite time to complete your last lap.
• In the event of a distance tie, the fastest last lap finisher wins.

On-site male and female Backyard overall winners

• There is a limit of 8 laps.
• Win the prize by accumulating the least total run time for all 8 laps.

Virtual male and female winners

• Run the most outdoor distance in 8 hours (GPS file posting required) and win the coveted Ode to Laz Orange Beanie.

Prize rules

• One prize per person, no transfers.
• If you switch mid-race from the "Backyard format" to continuous, you will remain in the continuous division.

Registration and start

• Registration opens race morning at 7:30 am.
• The ultra and first wave of fixed-distance races start at 9:20 a.m. Saturday morning.
• First-wave and ultra racers must complete registration before 8:45 am.
• The last lap of any runner will start at or before 4:20 p.m.

Switching formats

• You can switch from the "Backyard Format" to continuous at any time, and your classification changes permanently to "continuous".
• There is no switching from continuous to "Backyard" after the start of loop 2.
• No new laps start after 4:20 pm.
• Continuous runners have infinite time to complete any last lap.

Items and conduct

• Alcohol is permitted. Glass containers are prohibited.
• No hiking poles, dogs or strollers. No headphones on trails.

Lighting

• A headlamp or carry light is required for all runners and pacers on the trail after 4:20 p.m., but you'll likely finish before sunset.

Winter conditions

• This is winter in Michigan. You are advised to own traction aids for your shoes.

Virtual runners

• Virtual runners may complete their run any time within two weeks before race day and must submit all results by the day after the in-person race.

Timing

• There is no chip timing.