Mad Backyard Ultra

MAD Backyard Ultra : East Ridge, TN

The MAD Backyard Ultra is the sixth annual backyard-ultra event held at Camp Jordan Park, East Ridge, Tennessee. It is a qualifying race for The Big Dog's Backyard Ultra. The format requires participants to complete an approximately 4.167-mile trail loop each hour; runners who do not finish a loop within the hour are eliminated and the event continues until a single runner completes the final lap.

The trail loop runs through Camp Jordan Park and includes an exterior track, gravel, and grass. The course is described as flat, runnable, and non-technical. Race volunteers provide aid at the start/finish area. Crew access is allowed at the start/finish and tents and canopies are permitted near the start line. Runners receive 3-, 2-, and 1-minute warnings before each loop and must be in the starting corral before the top of the hour and start the loop at the sounding of the bell.

On-course rules include no outside aid while on the loop, no non-competitors on the course, and no artificial aids such as trekking poles. After completing a loop within the hour, runners may use restrooms, eat, or rest before returning to the corral for the next loop. The last runner standing receives a unique award; all finishers receive a coin, and those who reach 100 miles receive a belt buckle.

Packet pickup is at 323 Camp Jordan Parkway, East Ridge, TN, with scheduled pickup times on the day before and the morning of the event. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.