Ohio's Backyard Ultra
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Event overview
Ohio's Backyard Ultra will be held on March 21, 2026 at McChesney Ridge Athletic Club in Lucasville, Ohio. The 2026 edition is the eighth running of the event. Entry is capped at 110 runners. Registration price tiers are listed ($131.30 after opening; $141.95 after January 31) and registration closes March 18, 2026. Five reserved "elite" spots are available by selection after capacity is reached. A waitlist opens once the field fills. Refunds are available on a sliding scale: 100% refund 45+ days before the event, 50% refund 20-44 days before, and no refund within 0-19 days.
Course, format and logistics
The race uses the Backyard Ultra format: runners complete repeated measured loops until one runner remains. Each loop is 4.1667 miles and must be completed within one hour. The day course is two loops of about 2.08 miles, with 450-475 feet of elevation gain and a mix of double-track trail, gravel, grass, and dirt (no pavement). The night course is a measured 4.1667-mile out-and-back with a gradual 150 feet of gain and includes a paved section; runners pass residential driveways on the road portion.
Runners must be present at the start of each loop and may not leave the course once the loop has begun except to use porta-potties. Aid is self-provided; crews are allowed but limited to one crew member per runner. A t-shirt is provided to entrants. The Last Person Standing receives $500 and a commemorative prize; other finishers receive a DNF coin. Camping is permitted on site. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.