Mad Backyard Ultra
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MAD Backyard Ultra : East Ridge, TN (January 16, 2027)
MAD Backyard Ultra is a timed endurance event organized by the Chattanooga Track Club at Camp Jordan Park, 323 Camp Jordan Parkway, East Ridge, TN. The format uses a repeated 4.167 mile trail loop that runners must complete within each hour to continue. Event options include 3-hour, 6-hour, 12-hour, and 24-hour formats. The event also serves as a qualifier for The Big Dog's Backyard Ultra.
The course runs through Camp Jordan Park and follows exterior track, gravel, and grass surfaces. The course is described as flat, runnable, and non-technical. Crew access is allowed at the start/finish area; tents and canopies may be set up near the start line. Volunteers and race workers will provide aid at the start/finish line, but once on the loop runners may not receive aid from crew or other individuals and no non-competitors are allowed on the course.
Key rules include mandatory presence in the starting corral before the top of each hour, starting each loop at the sounding of the bell, no pacers, and no artificial aids such as trekking poles. Warnings are given at three, two, and one minute before each loop start.
All participants receive a coin. The last runner remaining receives a unique award, and runners who reach 100 miles receive a MAD Backyard Ultra belt buckle. Packet pickup takes place at the race site on the day before the event and on race morning. Hotels are available within about one mile and tent and RV camping are allowed with prior notice for RV site reservation.
Age rules: the 3-hour option is open to all ages (minors require a parent or guardian waiver); the 6-hour, 12-hour, and 24-hour options are restricted to participants 18 years or older on race day.
The race is part of the Chattanooga Ultra Championship series for 2027. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
