Mad Backyard Ultra

MAD Backyard Ultra

MAD Backyard Ultra is a backyard ultra held in East Ridge, Tennessee, organized by the Chattanooga Track Club. The 6th annual race is a qualifying event for The Big Dog's Backyard Ultra and uses repeated loops until a single runner completes the final lap.

The course is a 4.167-mile trail loop through Camp Jordan Park that uses the exterior track, gravel, and grass. The loop is described as flat, runnable, and non-technical. Each loop must be completed within a strict one hour time limit; participants must start a new loop at the sounding of the bell and be lined up in the starting corral before the top of the hour to continue.

Crew access is allowed at the start/finish area and tents and canopies are permitted near the start line. Once on the course runners may not receive aid from crew or non-competitors, and no pacers or artificial aids including trekking poles are allowed. Race volunteers and workers provide aid at the start/finish line. Warnings are given at three minutes, two minutes, and one minute before each loop start.

Awards include a unique award for the last runner standing, a participation coin for all finishers, and a belt buckle for runners who reach 100 miles. Packet pickup and the race site address are listed as 323 Camp Jordan Parkway, East Ridge TN. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.