WELCOME TO the Capital backyard ultra- 2026 silver ticket
Meadowood Special Recreation Management Area, 10702 Harley Rd, Lorton, VA
The seventh edition of the Capital Backyard Ultra will be held in Lorton, VA, a suburb of Washington, DC, on March 28, 2026. 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 make it on Team USA in 2026.
The Course
There will be two different loops at Capital. The DAY LOOP will be used from 7am-7pm, 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 7pm-7am.
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 and Camping
We have a large pavilion that encloses the aid station and all runner sites. Camping is free for runners and their crew Friday night, and all athletes will have easy access to the starting corral. Site selection will be made in order of prior backyard results.
Parking
Parking is on site, and some sites will allow parking adjacent to the shelter and your tent.
Information
Best place in the US to earn a Silver Ticket or an at-Large entry to Big's!
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. Not to mention the tutu-clad Bullies, who will be waiting with a selection of food/smoothies as you finish your loop. 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!
Event Details
The Capital Backyard Ultra will begin at 8am on Saturday, March 28, 2026, 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.
Finisher Award
The winner of Capital will receive a $1000 cash prize, plus a custom finisher decanter engraved with their name and mileage.
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
With a large on-site pavilion, the runner canopies are protected from the elements, and the "Mustang Village" setup ensures that no runner will be more than a 5-10 second walk from the starting line!