Race Results

Broken Anvil is affiliated with Backyard Ultra Series!

Broken Anvil Backyard Ultra is dedicated to individual achievement through mind-numbing fun in the form of repetitive 4.167-mile loops that will take you through West Point, Iowa’s own Pollmiller Lake Park.

September in Iowa can be a lot of things—and consistent isn’t one of them. Could be 60 degrees, could be 100, could be raining, windy, muddy, sleeting, possibly apocalyptic—you name it. This race has been designed to test a person’s physical and mental capacity to its fullest. If you are looking to run your first Ultra distance or wanting to run a couple loops . . . and then sit back and enjoy the pain and suffering of the other runners, this race is for you.

Participants will be surrounded by the love and support of other runners, volunteers, and the community helping you push your limits. This is a family-friendly environment, so bring a worthy crew and enjoy some tough people doing some tough things.

Sign up by August 1 to ensure you get a hoodie and other goodies!

Race Format

-4.167-mile loops.
-The first loop starts at 7 a.m. Central Time.
-Each loop starts precisely 1 hour after the last loop.
-Warnings will be given 3, 2, and 1 minute prior to the start of the next loop.
-Participants must be in the starting corral at the start of the loop.
-Participants must start a new loop at the sounding of the bell starting the loop.
-Except for restrooms, competitors may not leave the course until each loop is completed.
-No non-competitors on the course (including eliminated runners).
-No personal aid during a loop (common aid stations are allowed).
-Each loop must be completed within an hour to be counted—including the final lap.
-Slower runners must allow passes.
-The winner is the last remaining runner who successfully completes a loop within the allotted time frame.
-All others are technically “DNF” (Did Not Finish).
-Results of each runner in terms of distance covered are to be given.
-If no runner can complete one more loop than anyone else, there is no winner.
-No pacers allowed.
-Each participant will be allowed a 10′ x 10′ section for crewing/tent setup, aid, etc.
-We will have unlimited water available.
-We will have minimal fruit, snacks, and electrolyte supplements.
-We will have coffee until it runs out.
-Plan on bringing the majority of your aid with you.

You will have the ability to camp on the infield of the soccer field by the starting corral. An email will go to participants as the date nears to when you can set up camp. First come first serve on location. Once nightfall occurs, the soccer field lights will be turned on.

The Course

The 4.167-mile trail loop runs through a custom-created path through the South Park/Pollmiller Lake Campgrounds system. There is no day/night difference in loop, only one loop will be used.

The course consists of a paved bike path, paved road, crushed gravel, and some trail. The course is 80% paved path/road, 10% crushed gravel, and 10% trail/grass path.

With only 175 feet of elevation gain and loss per loop, this course will allow you to suffer a little more.

Location

South Park
61 5th Street
West Point, IA 52656

On the south end of town on the east side, you will see an entrance for South Park with a big brick structure with swinging signs that reads “South Park” (photos in thread). There is plenty of parking. Once parked, follow the signs to the south. You will see a shelter house with a blue roof.
Participants will be able to set up camp and park on the soccer field, pending weather.

Post Race

You’ve just DNF’d in the Inaugural Broken Anvil Backyard Ultra—unless you were the BA winner, of course! Enjoy the Iowa weather, sit back, and help cheer on the remaining BA suffering competitors.

All we ask: If you and your crew have a camp set up close to the start/finish, please kindly pack up shop so that the remaining competitors may claim stake. Feel free to relocate wherever you want—just leave the start/finish area open for the remaining athletes and their support teams.

Camping/Hotel – West Point has you Covered

If you plan on bringing the family and staying for the weekend, the area has you covered.

Pollmiller Lake Campground offers 30 electrical camp sites with 20-, 30-, and 50-amp breakers. There are both reservable and non-reservable camp sites. The course itself runs right through the camp site area. Pollmiller Lake also boasts a “beach” and concession stand that are in view of the course.

Check out site below:
https://www.mycountyparks.com/County/Lee/Park/Pollmiller-Park.aspx

If camping isn’t your “thing,” Fort Madison and Burlington are close (15 and 30 minutes away, respectively) and have multiple hotel accommodations.

West point is a small town, but it boasts plenty of attractions within the city limits, with a pizza joint, a gas station, and an uptown scene with 4 taverns. There is plenty of action for your crew or fans to wander about or even yourself, if you have tapped out and want to sightsee.