See the 2026 event

Flag City Backyard Ultra

A Backyard Ultra Bronze Ticket event. The winner earns a Bronze Ticket invitation opportunity.


The Flag City Backyard Ultra is a last man standing race around the Findlay Reservoir. Runners must complete a 4.3 mile loop every hour, on the hour. When the whistle blows, the next lap starts. We keep going until only one runner completes a loop alone. Everyone else is a DNF.


Why you will love this course
Zero elevation gain. Zero mud. Zero roots. A simple loop with no shortcuts and no way to get lost. Just you, the clock, and the competition. Plan to run long.


Race style
This is a self supported race. No food, drink, or supplies will be provided during the race. Bring what you need and be ready for changing conditions. Pack a headlamp.


Shirt
All runners will receive a high quality technical shirt.


Entry fee
Registration is $45 and increases to $55 on April 1.


Refund Policy
No refunds for any reason. All entry fees are non refundable and non transferable, including if you cannot attend. Entry fees are used to cover the cost of putting on the event. After expenses, any remaining funds will be donated to Habitat for Humanity.

New for 2026

Professional timing and live coverage
We hired Mike Melton to time the event. Mike is well known in the ultra community and is the timer for Big’s Backyard Ultra.
All runners will receive both an ankle tag and a bib tag for tracking. Live results will be available online, and the entire event will be streamed so friends and family can follow along in real time.


Where your entry goes
After expenses, any remaining funds will be donated to Habitat for Humanity.

Parking

Parking will be available in the grass at the base of the reservoir.

Vehicles can drive to the top of the reservoir to drop off only. Vehicles cannot remain at the top of the reservoir.

Camping

We have permission from the city to set up tents the night before the race. We'll be camping out. Come join us.

There will be porta-johns but no running water.

Race Rules

1. Starting Corral
   
   
   
   • Participants must be in the starting corral at the start whistle.
   
   
   
   


2. Starts
   
   
   
   • Each loop starts at the top of the hour.
   
   
   • A whistle will be blown at 3, 2, and 1 minutes prior to start.
   
   
   • All competitors must be in the corral at the start (no late starts).
   
   
   
   


3. Loops
   
   
   
   • Except for restrooms, competitors may not leave the course until each loop is completed.
   
   
   • No personal aid during a loop (common aid stations are allowed).
   
   
   • Each loop must be completed within an hour to be counted, including the final lap.
   
   
   • No artificial aids (including trekking poles).
   
   
   • Slower runners must allow passes.
   
   
   
   


4. Winner/Results
   
   
   
   • The winner is the last person to complete a loop.
   
   
   • All others are technically DNF.
   
   
   • If no runner can complete one more loop than anyone else, there is no winner.
   
   
   
   

Refund Policy

No refunds for any reason. All entry fees are non refundable and non transferable, including if you cannot attend. Entry fees are used to cover the cost of putting on the event. After expenses, any remaining funds will be donated to Habitat for Humanity.

Event's current local time: 1:14 AM ET