The Devils Race Track Backyard Ultra

The Devils Race Track Backyard Ultra

The Devils Race Track Backyard Ultra is a last runner standing race held at the North Alabama Land Trust Wade Mountain Preserve near Huntsville, AL. The event uses the backyard ultra format: competitors run repeated loops of fixed distance and each loop must be started and completed to continue.

The registered course is 4.167 miles (4 miles 880 feet) per loop. The route begins with a short road out-and-back to separate the field, then follows single-track trail including the Devils Race Track trail, intersections with Wade Mountain and Shovelton Trails, a counterclockwise loop around Devils Race Track, the Shovelton and Rock Wall segments, and a return to the start. During daylight the route runs on the trail system; during nighttime running the field uses an out-and-back on Spragins Hollow Road with a soft asphalt surface.

Each loop begins exactly one hour after the previous loop. Runners must be in the starting corral when the horn or bell sounds to begin a loop. Other rules include no personal aid during a loop, no leaving the course except for restrooms, no artificial aids such as trekking poles, and a requirement that slower runners allow passes. The winner is the last individual to complete a loop; if no one completes an extra loop, there is no winner. Results record distance covered for all participants.

All finishers receive event apparel and a finisher cap. Any runner reaching 24 hours or 100 miles earns a buckle. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.