Mad Backyard Ultra
East Ridge, United States • 17 Jan 2026
Event format and rules
The MAD Backyard Ultra is a backyard ultra held on January 17, 2026. Runners complete repeated loops of about 4.167 miles. Each loop must be finished within the one-hour limit to continue; runners who fail to finish a loop are removed from the race. The event continues until only one runner completes a final lap and is declared the last runner standing.
Crew access is allowed at the start/finish area and tents or canopies are permitted near the start line. Runners must be in the starting corral before the top of the hour and must start each loop at the sounding of the bell. Once on course, runners may not receive aid from crew or non-competitors, and non-competitors are not allowed on the course. No pacers or artificial aids, including trekking poles, are allowed. Race volunteers provide aid at the start/finish area.
Course, logistics, and awards
The loop runs through Camp Jordan Park in East Ridge, Tennessee, and uses exterior track, gravel, and grass surfaces. The course is described as flat, runnable, and non-technical. The event is the 5th Annual Mad Backyard Ultra and is a qualifying event for The Big Dog's Backyard Ultra.
All participants receive a coin. The last runner standing receives a unique award, and runners who reach 100 miles receive a MAD Backyard Ultra belt buckle. Packet pickup is listed at 323 Camp Jordan Parkway. Registration closes January 16. Hotels are available within about a mile of the race start. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.