Mad Backyard Ultra
East Ridge, United States • 17 Jan 2026
Event
The MAD Backyard Ultra is scheduled for January 17, 2026, at Camp Jordan Park in East Ridge / Chattanooga, Tennessee. It is the fifth annual running of the event and a qualifying race for The Big Dog's Backyard Ultra. The race is part of the Chattanooga Ultra Championship series.
Race details
Runners repeat a 4.167-mile loop each hour. Each loop has a strict one-hour limit; runners who do not complete the loop within the hour are eliminated. Participants must be in the starting corral before the hour and must begin each loop at the sounding of the bell. Crew access is allowed at the start/finish area, but once on the course runners may not receive outside aid. No pacers or other non-competitors are permitted on the course. Race volunteers provide aid at the start/finish.
The course is a trail loop through Camp Jordan Park that uses exterior track, gravel, and grass. The organizer describes the course as flat, runnable, and non-technical.
All participants receive a coin. The last remaining runner receives a unique award. Runners who accumulate 100 miles receive a MAD Backyard Ultra belt buckle. Tent and RV camping are allowed near the start; RV spots must be arranged in advance. Packet pickup is at the race site on the day before the event and on the morning of the race. Registration closes January 16, 2026. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.