Capital Backyard Ultra

Capital Backyard Ultra (March 28, 2026)

The Capital Backyard Ultra is a Silver Ticket event held at Meadowood Special Recreation Management Area, 10702 Harley Rd, Lorton, Virginia. The race uses a Last Runner Standing format and is limited to a maximum of 60 runners. The 2026 winner will receive a $1,000 prize and a finisher's award. The event date has been moved to late March.

Format and rules

The race consists of repeated 4.167 mile loops that begin on the hour, every hour. Three whistles will be blown three minutes before the top of the hour, two whistles two minutes before, and one whistle one minute before; a bell signals the start of each round. Runners must be present when the bell rings to continue. Participants may not exit the course except to use the porta potty until they complete the loop. The last remaining runner must complete one additional loop to be named the winner; all other starters are recorded as DNFs.

Entry and logistics

Entry for 2026 opens Saturday, June 14. Prospective entrants register on Ultrasignup and place their name on the waitlist. Invitations are offered until capacity is reached to runners who have completed a 100-mile race or who have completed Capital Backyard Ultra previously. Bronze ticket winners receive entry as they come in. Runners who have completed a 50-mile race will be offered entry beginning December 1, 2025. The entry fee is $200; refunds are not offered. The nearest airports are Ronald Reagan National (about 30 minutes) and IAD (about 40 minutes). Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.