Soil Mates Backyard Ultra

Experience the unique thrill of running an ultra marathon right from your backyard, but this time it's Thomaston, Georgia’s very own Soil Mates Backyard Ultra – a race that challenges you to run 4.167 miles every hour until only one runner remains standing.
Registration for early bird pricing is available at $20 and will close after the first 20 runners sign up or by September 30th, whichever comes sooner. The event kicks off with two opportunities: Soil Mates Backyard Ultra and One Yard, both starting simultaneously at 8:00 am on February 13th.
Soil Mates Backyard Ultra is a loop course that winds through pastures and woods for an exhilarating 4.167 miles each lap, featuring approximately 350 feet of elevation gain. The race continues as long as two or more runners complete their laps within the hour limit; it ends when one runner finishes alone.
The setting is idyllic: a large open pasture with ample parking space and room for crew support near the starting corral. Sixty percent of the course meanders through lush pastures, marked by guide ropes and arrows on a five-foot path. The remaining 40% takes runners onto four distinct segments of single-track forest trails filled with twists, turns, roots, and rocks to keep your focus sharp.
Participants are encouraged to bring their own hydration packs or handheld bottles as this is a cupless race. Water refills will be available near the start/finish area for those who need them. The starting corral ensures all runners have enough space to comfortably begin each lap.
For those new to Backyard Ultra, it’s an experience that blends endurance and camaraderie in a unique way. Runners can socialize with fellow participants as they complete their laps within the hour limit. With no set finish line, you decide when your journey ends based on how far you want to push yourself or simply because you're ready for some well-deserved rest.
Free camping is allowed overnight near the starting pasture, ensuring a convenient start time without worrying about travel fatigue. Temperatures typically range from 36°F to 60°F during February in Thomaston, so prepare accordingly with layers and proper gear.
All participants who register by January 27th will receive a short-sleeve shirt as part of their race package. Remember that this is not a timed event but rather an endurance challenge focused on distance and fun.
Soil Mates Backyard Ultra adheres to official rules, ensuring fair play and safety for all competitors. This includes strict guidelines around course completion within the hour limit, prohibiting outside assistance during laps, and maintaining the integrity of the race through clear communication about lap starts.
Join us in Thomaston this February for an unforgettable running experience that tests your limits while celebrating the joy of long-distance trail running with friends and fellow enthusiasts.