Capital Backyard Ultra

Event details

The Capital Backyard Ultra is a Last Runner Standing event held on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at Meadowood Special Recreation Management Area, 10702 Harley Rd, Lorton, Virginia. The event has a maximum capacity of 60 runners. The winner of the race will receive a $1,000 prize and a finisher’s award. The event was moved to late March for cooler conditions and possible record attempts. The nearest airports are Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) and Washington Dulles (IAD), approximately 30 and 40 minutes away, respectively.

Race format and rules

The race uses a backyard ultra format consisting of a 4.167 mile loop that begins on the hour, every hour. Audible signals mark the countdown: three whistles three minutes before 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 and may not leave the course except to use a porta-potty until they complete the loop. The last remaining runner must complete one additional loop to be declared the winner; all other competitors are recorded as DNFs.

Entry and logistics

Entry for 2026 opens Saturday, June 14. Registration closes Sunday, March 1 at 11:59 PM ET. Entry is managed via Ultrasignup and includes a waitlist. Invitations are offered first to runners who have completed a 100-mile race or who have run this event previously, until capacity is reached. Runners who have completed a 50-mile race are offered entry beginning December 1, 2025. The entry fee is $200 and refunds are not offered. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.