MAD Backyard Ultra

Updates

Age Requirements & Event Guidelines To ensure participant safety and follow youth distance recommendations set forth by the Road Runners Club of America (RRCA) and USA Track & Field (USATF), the following age parameters apply to our event options: 3-Hour Event: Open to participants of all ages. (Runners under 18 must have a parent or legal guardian sign their waiver). 6-Hour, 12-Hour, and 24-Hour Events: Restricted to participants 18 years of age and older on race day. Thank you for your understanding as we work to keep our events safe and well-managed for everyone!

DETAILS

"Survive the Madness! 6th Annual Mad Backyard Ultra" Test your limits at the 6th Annual Mad Backyard Ultra, a qualifying event for The Big Dog's Backyard Ultra. This grueling endurance race challenges you to complete a 4.1667-mile loop every hour – until only one competitor remains. Each loop has a strict one-hour time limit. Finish within the hour to advance to the next loop. Fail to finish, and you're out of the race. It's a relentless test of physical and mental endurance. Can you conquer the MAD Backyard Ultra?"

RULES

Crew access is available at the start/finish. Tents and Canopies are allowed near the start line. We will give you a 3 minute, 2 minute, and 1-minute warning to get lined up for the next loop. All runners are required to be in the starting corral before the top of the hour. Failure to line up in the starting corral will result in disqualification of the runner. Participants must start a new loop at the sounding of the bell starting the loop. Once you are on the course, you are not allowed any aid from your crew or any other individual. No non-competitors on the course (including eliminated runners). Except for restrooms, competitors may not leave the course until each loop is completed. Runners are responsible for their aid on course. You must be on and stay on the course unless you need to use the bathroom. No artificial aids (including trekking poles) are allowed. Once you are back to the start and assuming you have finished within the hour, you may use the bathroom, eat, drink, sleep, ponder the next loop, etc., but you MUST be back in the start corral at the beginning of the hour to continue into the next hour’s loop. Runners will continue until ONE runner completes a FINAL lap. (i.e. If there are two runners left and one does not complete the loop, then the one that completed the loop will be declared the winner). No pacers whatsoever. The MAD race volunteers and workers will provide aid at the start/finish line.

COURSE

The 4.167-mile trail loop runs through Camp Jordan Park. The loop will consist of the exterior track, gravel, and grass. The course is flat, runnable, and non-technical.

AWARDS / SWAG

The last runner standing will receive a unique award All runners will receive a coin for their participation. Runners who make 100 miles will receive a MAD Backyard Ultra Belt Buckle.

AMENITIES

Hotels: There are numerous hotels in the area within a mile of the race start. Camping: Tent Camping and RV camping is allowed. If you are bringing an RV / Travel Trailer, the race director must know in advance to reserve a spot.

Chattanooga Ultra Championship Series

RETURNING FOR 2027: The Chattanooga Ultra Championship consists of the MAD Backyard Ultra (January 2027), Locomotion (April 2027), and Circle Endurance Event (November 2027). To be eligible for the Chattanooga Ultra Championship, participants must compete in all three races, with awards for general participation, completing at least 50K in each race, and for the top three male, female, and masters runners accumulating the most mileage across all events.

PACKET PICKUP

323 Camp Jordan Parkway East Ridge TN Package Pickup will be on Friday, January 15h at the race site from 5:00 – 6:30 PM and Saturday Morning at the race site from 6:30 – 7:15 AM.