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 65 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 claim an at-large entry to run with the Big Dogs in 2023. Any runner gaining an at-large entry in 2023 will receive $500 toward their entry and travel to the 2023 Individual World Championships. If there are no at-large entries achieved, the winner will receive this prize, along with a super sweet finisher’s award.
Although there are no direct qualifiers to Big’s next year beyond the individual National Champions, the best way in the North America to gain an at-Large entry to the World Individual Championships in 2023 is to run Capital. The course, with its runnable rolling day loop and paved night loop, is tailored for high mileage performances. 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 2022:
- Nine of the 15 members of Team USA for 2022 ran Capital in 2021 or 2022
- 65% of Capital entrants achieved 24+ yards/100miles
- 7 runners topped 48 yards/200 miles
- Capital is the only race outside of Big’s to field at-large entrants to the National Team: five runners earned their spots on Team USA based on at-large performances at Capital. Chris Roberts, who qualified with 84 yards at Big’s in 2021, would have also qualified based on his 56 yard performance at Capital in his first backyard event.
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 27, 2023, 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 to Capital will be by application, with entry opening October 16. Entry is limited to 65 runners, and a 100 mile finish or the equivalent will likely be required. To apply, please add yourself to the waitlist. If you have any information that you would like considered that is not in your USU profile (FKTs, thru-hikes, etc,) please email me directly at sarah@capitalbackyardultra.com. I will send invitations to accepted runners via Ultrasignup, and entries will be rolling. You must accept the invitation to be entered in the race!
Elite Runners (48+ yards)
Since there are no Bronze Ticket entrants, any runner who has 48 or more yards in a previous backyard will receive complimentary entry to Capital for 2023. Please email me prior to entry so I can set up your discount code and invite.
Local time: 8:37 AM
