Join us for JP’s Backyard Ultra, a one-of-a-kind ultramarathon and hike set in the scenic trails of Skyline Wilderness Park in Napa, CA. Now in its fourth and final year, this grassroots event is more than just a race, it’s a celebration of life, resilience, and community.
Born from my personal journey with Stage IV mediastinal paraganglioma, JP’s Backyard Ultra is a fundraiser for the Pheo Para Alliance, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit (EIN 26-1510652) dedicated to empowering patients, families, and medical professionals affected by pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma through education, advocacy, and global support. Learn more at www.pheopara.org.
Whether you're in it for one loop or ten, come run or hike in solidarity, to honor those facing rare diseases, to challenge yourself, and to stand as part of a growing force for good.
~Jonathan Pascual
- The course features a 3.3 mile loop with 550+ feet of climbing, offering a mix of terrain from steep rocky sections to shaded paths. Scroll down for map below.
- Participants can choose anywhere from 1 to 10 loops.
- Runners and hikers alike start at the same time every hour going clockwise on the even hours and counterclockwise on the odd hours. So it doesn't matter if you finish your loop fast or slow because everyone starts again at the same time in the next hour. Those attempting 10 loops should pace themselves for a final race on the 10th loop making 33.3 miles. You can do as many or as few loops as you wish however.
- Timed Event: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM. Please arrive by 0730 for course description, announcement of run prize categories & fundraising prizes.
- Aid Station: Main camp has various caloric options and drinks with water only at the bridge and mile 2.3.
- Food & Beverages: Provided, including lunch for participants and volunteers.
- Cupless Event: Bring your own water bottle or hydration pack. HYDRAPAK, our Sustainable Racing Partner will provide limited 300 Limited Edition HydraPak Graphic SpeedCups & 8 SpeedFill Pitchers for use at aid stations.
- Awards:
- Medals to all registered hikers and runners.
- Medal & wine (non-alcoholic option for under 21) for top three male and female finishers of the 2, 4, 6, 8 loops.
- Medal, wine, and trophy for the fastest 10th loop goes to the top three male and female finishers and special Vinerunner 4th place trophy.
- Medal, wine, and trophy for the fastest cumulative time for 10 loops goes to the top three male and female finishers.
- Raffle Prizes: buy tickets on day of event to win raffle baskets, gift certificates, and other special prizes. Proceeds benefit the Pheo Para Alliance.
- Silent Wine Auction: place your bids on exceptional wines generously donated by local Napa Valley wineries, starting at an unbeatable buy-now price. Proceeds benefit the Pheo Para Alliance.
- Registration "Fee": Donation Link
- JP's Backyard Ultra has always been a free event. Suggested donation to register starts at $30.
- Participants get a medal, a variety of snacks and drinks at the aid station, and lunch.
- To streamline registration, we are using runsignup.com. 100% of suggested starting donation of $30 goes directly to the Pheo Para Alliance. The processing fee of 6% per $1 of transaction (cart). This fee is charged per transaction, not per individual participant, meaning that if a user registers multiple people to a single cart, the $1 fee is only charged once, lowering the overall cost per person.
- If you cannot attend or want to donate beyond the suggested amount, consider giving an additional donation at the donation link.
- Parking:
- Do not park at Skyline's main parking lot to avoid parking fee. Parking opens at 0600.
- Follow signs for "JP's Backyard Ultra Parking" for free parking for registered participants at the Westside parking lot of Skyline Wilderness Park.
- Childcare: We have volunteers to watch your kids from 0800-1200.
- Park Rules: No dogs on trails, stay on marked trails, carry out your trash & put in appropriate bins at the main aid station, trails close at sunset.
- Camp with us: reservations at Skyline's Website: Reserve Camp Site. Mention JP's Backyard Ultra to reserve your spot in our campsite on Friday 9/25 & Saturday 9/26. Camping reservation with vehicles is nearby but will be separate from the tent only camping.
