Welcome to the Capital Backyard Ultra!
At Capital our goal has always been to hold a race for a small group of runners that we can help achieve their backyard goals. With a maximum capacity of 60 runners, our experienced staff and volunteers will be there to support you every yard. We like to think of our race as a “dress rehearsal” for Big’s- in fact, most of our staff has prior experience at Big’s, and you’ll see several familiar faces if you achieve an at-large entry to the Individual World Championships in 2025! The 2025 finisher, along with any runners gaining at-large entry, will receive $500 toward their entry and travel to the 2024 Team Championships, and the last person standing will receive a super sweet finisher’s award.
The course, with its runnable rolling day loop and paved night loop, is tailored for high mileage performances. Runners set up under a huge pavilion that keeps the tents cool when it's hot and dry in the rain. In addition, our kitchen is staffed by two professional chefs who have also run some of the toughest 100 milers out there, so they know how to take care of you. The tutu-clad Bullies will be waiting with a selection of food/smoothies as you finish your yard. But most importantly, you will be in a field with other experienced backyard runners who can push you to high miles. In the Backyard, you can only be as good as your next best competitor.
Some stats from the race:
- Eight of the 15 runners on the 2024 US Team are CBU alums
- Five of the 15 runners on the 2024 US Team ran CBU in 2024
- Levi Yoder won the 2024 event with 65 yards
- 71% of entrants achieved 24+ yards/100miles in 2023
- 19% of the field topped 48 yards/200 miles in 2023
- Scott Snell ran a PR in 2023, paving the way for his win at Big's in the World Team Championships in 2024!
- Jennifer Russo set the women's world record in 2023 with 74 yards, and was once again the assist in 2024 with 64 yards!
Event Details
The Capital Backyard Ultra will be held at Meadowood Special Recreation Management Area at 10702 Harley Rd. in Lorton, Virginia, a suburb of Washington DC. The event will begin at 8am on Saturday, May 25, 2024, and proceed until only one runner is remaining. The nearest airport is Ronald Reagan National Airport, DCA (30 minutes.) The second closest airport is IAD (40 minutes.)
Race Rules
The format is a 4.167 mile loop that will begin on the hour, every hour. Three minutes before the start of each loop (three minutes before the top of the hour) three whistles will be blown. Two minutes before the top of the hour, two whistles will be blown. One minute before the top of the hour, one whistle will be blown. A bell will ring signifying the start of each round. All runners continuing must be present when the final bell rings, or they will not be allowed to continue. They are not allowed to exit the course except to use the porta potty until they complete the loop. It’s very simple. However ”Simple” does not equate to “Easy.”
The last runner must complete one additional loop to be named the winner. All other runners are DNFs, but they will know that they have truly reached the limit of their endurance. The winner will not have this satisfaction but will have another opportunity to find their limit at Big’s in October.
Entry
Entry will be rolling. Any runner with a 100 mile finish or who has run the event in a prior year will gain entry until the race reaches 60 runners. Please note that due to the small number of runners and the costs associated with putting on a top-notch event, we cannot offer refunds.
Elite Runners (48+ yards)
Though there are no Bronze events this year, if you have completed 48+ yards in a backyard ultra, please contact me so I can set up a discount code prior to entry.
Event's current local time: 2:25 AM ET
