Event Description
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 third 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.
- 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
- Aid Station: Main camp 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
- Awards: Medals to all participants; Medal & wine (non-alcoholic option for under 21) for top 3 finishers of 2, 4, 6, 8 loops. Medal, wine, and trophy for the top 3 male and female finishers and special Vinerunner 4th trophy for male & female fourth place finisher.
- Raffle Prizes: buy tickets on day of event to win raffle baskets, gift certificates, and other special prizes. Proceeds benefit the Pheo Para Alliance.
- Registration "Fee": JP's Backyard Ultra has always been a free event. This year, to streamline registration, we are using runsignup.com. 100% of suggested starting donation of $20 goes directly to the Pheo Para Alliance. The processing fee of $0.80 goes to RaceSignup. Consider giving an additional donation at the donation link.
- Parking: Do not park at main parking lot to avoid parking fee; Follow signs for "JP's Backyard Ultra Parking" for free parking for registered participants at the Westside parking lot of Skyline 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.
