Bad Ass Backyard Ultra - Rio Linda, CA
Rio Linda, United States • 28 Mar 2026
Event overview
The Bad Ass Backyard Ultra is scheduled for March 28, 2026, at Dry Creek Parkway in Rio Linda, California (northern Sacramento). The event is organized by Skybreaker Racing in partnership with Auburn Area Trail Runners and is now held under the Singletrack Running umbrella. The race began as a grassroots "fatass" event in 2023 and became an official event in 2024.
The event is an officially affiliated Backyard Ultra. Affiliation makes competitors eligible for selection to national teams for the Satellite Team Championships and for the World Individual Championships at Big's Backyard. Early registration is open but permits have not yet been secured; early registrants will receive a refund if permits cannot be issued. Registration closes March 25, 2026.
Course and rules
The course uses a repeated loop format. Each loop, or "yard," is 4.16 miles with about 30 feet of elevation gain. New loops begin every hour, on the hour, and each loop must be completed within that hour to be counted. Runners must be in the starting corral and start at the bell for each loop; late starts are not allowed.
Additional rules include pre-start warnings at 3, 2, and 1 minute(s) before each loop, no assistance allowed after the bell until the yard is completed, no non-participants or eliminated runners on course, no artificial aids (including trekking poles), and no leaving the course except for restrooms until a loop is finished. The last runner to complete a loop is declared the winner; if no runner completes one more loop than others, there is no winner. Runners who ordered event swag will receive it, and the winner, if any, will receive a special award. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.