the Capital backyard ultra- a SILVER ticket event!
LOCATION- Meadowood Special Recreation Management Area, 10702 Harley Rd, Lorton, VA
The Capital Backyard Ultra will be held in Lorton, VA, a suburb of Washington, DC. 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 the Silver Ticket or an At-Large entry to run with the Big Dogs in 2022. This event is a Silver Ticket race, with the winner and qualifying At-Large entrants proceeding directly to Big's Backyard Ultra 2022.
The Course
There will be two different loops at Capital. The DAY LOOP will be used from 6am-8pm, and will be on horse trails at Meadowood Special Recreation Management Area. The NIGHT LOOP will be on a paved bike path on the other side of Gunston Rd. and will be run from 8pm-6am.
Day Loop
Terrain
The terrain for the day loop will be flat, open field for 0.7mi, and a mix of dirt and crushed gravel bridle trails on the remainder of the course.
Elevation Profile
Averaging Strava, Coros, and Suunto, elevation gain is 300-350ft/loop for the daytime course.
Night LOOP
Terrain
After crossing Gunston Rd, the night loop will be held on a paved bike path.
Elevation Profile
The night loop is rolling but mostly flat, with approx. 75 feet of elevation gain/loss per loop.
Start/Finish and Camping
Start/Finish
The Start/Finish will be set up as above. Canopies can be set up in the red area. Location will be first come, first served, with a large tented area at the start.
Parking and Camping
Parking and camping will be on site.
Information
A Big's Backyard Ultra Silver Ticket Event
The Capital Backyard Ultra is pleased to announce that we are a Silver Ticket Event for the National Championship Backyard Ultra, Big's, in Bell Buckle TN! The winner of the Capital Backyard Ultra will receive paid entry to Big's, plus a $200 travel stipend.
Event Details
The Capital Backyard Ultra will begin at 8am on Saturday, May 28, 2022, and proceed until only one runner is remaining.
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.
Race rules
As stated above, all runners must be in the race corral at the start of the hour, 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.
Aid Station
Aid for this event is mostly self-sufficient. Ice, water, and electrolyte drink will be provided to the runners. Real food options will be available starting at noon on Saturday.
Staging Area
We will have a large covered area for runners near the start. Runners may bring a folding chair and small cooler into this area. All other gear must be outside this space. Runners may set up their own popup canopies as well. No runner will be more than a 5-10 second walk from the starting line, and as runners leave, they will be asked to vacate the more "prime" locations.
Crew Access
Crews will be allowed for the duration of the event.