Mad Backyard Ultra
East Ridge, United States • 17 Jan 2026
MAD Backyard Ultra : East Ridge, TN (January 17, 2026)
The MAD Backyard Ultra is a backyard-ultra format race at Camp Jordan Park, 323 Camp Jordan Parkway, East Ridge / Chattanooga, Tennessee. It is a qualifying event for The Big Dog's Backyard Ultra. Runners complete a 4.167-mile trail loop each hour. Each loop must be finished within the hour to advance; the event continues until one runner completes the final lap and is declared the winner. There is no fixed total distance.
Course, rules and event details
The loop runs through Camp Jordan Park and uses 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, and tents or canopies are permitted near the start line. Organizers provide a 3-minute, 2-minute, and 1-minute warning before each loop.
Runners must be in the starting corral before the top of the hour and start each new loop at the sounding of the bell. Once on the course, runners may not receive aid from crew or other individuals; non-competitors and eliminated runners are not allowed on the course. Competitors may leave the course only for restroom use between loop segments. No artificial aids, including trekking poles, and no pacers are allowed. Volunteers and workers will provide aid at the start/finish. All participants receive a coin; the last runner standing receives a unique award, and runners who reach 100 miles receive a belt buckle. Hotels are available within about one mile of the start. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.