Tartarus Backyard Ultra

Event overview

Tartarus Backyard Ultra is a last-person-standing ultrarun and ruck event held at Camp 7, Riverside State Park in Spokane, WA. The event includes separate running and rucking races on a loop course at the old airstrip and nearby trails. Race swag includes an event T-shirt and an additional acknowledgment item. The event is designated as a 2026 Silver Ticket event.

Distances:

• 4.1667 miles per lap (running)
• 2.2 miles per lap (rucking)

Camping is permitted near the course. A small space next to the start and finish is available for a chair, cooler, and other small personal gear. Portable toilets are located just after the start line.

Race format and rules

Races start on the hour and repeat each hour. Each participant has one hour to complete the lap for their discipline. Runners and ruckers must be standing in the start corral when the next lap begins; late starts are not allowed once the bell rings. After the bell, participants may not visit crew, tents, vehicles, or receive aid from others and must remain on course except to use portable toilets. Participants who self-eliminate or fail to return to the corral are considered out and must vacate the start area.

In the evening the event moves to an out-and-back on the Centennial Trail and returns to the loop the next morning. The Backyard 24 option ties all participants who reach 24 hours as first place; a sole remaining participant may continue to complete 24 hours.

Ruck requirements and fundraising

Core weight excludes consumables. Core weight minimums: 30 pounds for participants over 150 pounds body weight, 20 pounds for participants under 150 pounds. No vests are allowed; traditional rucks only. Crews are permitted but not required. Participants may choose to fundraise in place of paying the registration fee; raising over a stated minimum ($100) makes entry free and the event has an overall fundraising goal of $3,000. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.