MULTIDAYRUNNING
🔄 Backyard UltraBUABeginner Friendly

Capital Backyard Ultra

A high-level backyard ultra at Meadowood Special Recreation Management Area, built for deep performances in a small, highly supported field.

Official WebsiteBack to Events

Event dates, entry rules, qualification standards, and course details can change. Always verify current information on the official event website before registering or booking travel.

Event Overview

DateMar 20, 2027
Location🇺🇸 Lorton, Virginia, USA
FormatBackyard Ultra
TerrainTrail
RegionNorth America
Elevation gainDay loop: roughly 300-350 ft per yard; night loop: roughly 75 ft per yard.
CutoffNo fixed finish time. Runners must finish each yard in under one hour and start the next on time.
Start8:00 AM
Field sizeLimited to 65 runners.
SanctioningBUA
HighlightsDeep Backyard Field, Small Field

Course & Terrain

Backyard ultra with a 4.167-mile yard starting every hour until only one runner remains.

Key course features to know before comparing this race:

  • Day loop on horse trails at Meadowood
  • Night loop on paved bike path
  • Crew setups seconds from the starting corral

Capital alternates a rolling trail day loop with a faster paved night loop, so shoe choice and leg impact change across the race.

Early spring near Washington, DC can bring rain, cool nights, and variable trail conditions.

Entry & Logistics

Registration2027 registration opens June 1, 2026, with invitations issued from the waitlist until the field is full.
QualificationAutomatic entry consideration is listed for runners who have completed a 100-mile race or previous Capital participants; 50-mile finishers may be considered later if spots remain.
Entry fee$225 all-inclusive entry fee for 2027.
Support modelCentralized covered pavilion, dedicated crew/tent space, camping, professional-chef aid station, hot food, smoothies, water, ice, and electrolyte drink.
Crew / pacersCrew support happens between yards only. No pacing, personal aid, or artificial aids are allowed during a yard.
Logistics noteThe official page emphasizes the pavilion setup, Friday-night camping, and crew space, making the race unusually comfortable for a deep backyard effort.

Why This Race Matters

Capital Backyard Ultra is a useful reference point for runners comparing backyard ultra events. Its format, terrain, and support model shape the kind of preparation required: not just fitness, but pacing discipline, nutrition planning, foot care, and the ability to make good decisions under fatigue.

Best Fit

  • Backyard runners chasing a serious yard total
  • Athletes who want a small field with strong crew infrastructure
  • Runners preparing for Big's or national-team backyard formats

Planning Notes

  • Practice the exact hourly routine: loop, eat, foot check, bottle refill, and back to the start. The format rewards repeatability.
  • Train for terrain-specific fatigue. Technical trails and mountain courses demand downhill durability, hiking efficiency, and reliable night lighting.
  • This event is marked beginner-friendly in the directory, but first-timers should still verify cutoffs, support rules, and crew access on the official site.
  • Entry is limited and not simply first-come, first-served
  • The day-loop climbing adds up quickly if the race goes deep
  • Backyard rules prohibit aid, pacing, or crew contact during each active yard

Event FAQs

How large is the Capital Backyard Ultra field?

The official page says the field is intentionally limited to 65 runners.

Does Capital Backyard Ultra use the same course all day?

No. The official page describes a trail day loop and a paved night loop.

Sources

  1. Official Capital Backyard Ultra page — https://capitalbackyardultra.com
  2. Multiday Running event directory data, last reviewed June 2026.