Cappy's Backyard Ultra

Cappy’s Backyard Ultra

Cappy’s Backyard Ultra is scheduled for March 27, 2027 at Cathedral Gorge State Park near Panaca in Lincoln County, Nevada. The event uses the Backyard Ultra format: participants run a repeated 4.1667 mile loop each hour and must return to the start corral before the hour expires. Runners may continue until only one person completes a final lap; if no runner completes one more lap than anyone else, there is no winner.

A small crew of up to two people may be set up at the start area. Runners must be in the starting corral before the start of each hour; race staff will give 3, 2, and 1 minute warnings. No late starts, no pacers, no artificial aids including trekking poles, and no on-course aid from crew or non-competitors are allowed. The course will be well marked and competitors must remain on course except for brief bathroom stops.

There are separate day and night courses. The day loop is approximately 25% road and 75% single track or hiking trail with about 292 ft total climbing and a gradual uphill between about miles 1.5 and 2.5. The night course is an out and back that is about 75% road and 25% dirt or trail with about 117 ft total climbing. Both courses lie inside the state park and some vehicle traffic may occur.

Entry fees include a registration package, one night of dry camping and day use parking for one vehicle. Amenities in the group use area include restrooms, showers, water, pavilions, and power at the timing area. An aid station at the start/finish provides water, sports drink, some food items and snacks; there are no aid stations on the loop itself. All finishers receive a shirt listing competitors, DNF runners receive a medal, and the last runner standing and their assist receive awards. Registration is open April 9, 2026 through March 24, 2027 and there is no race day registration or refunds. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.