The concept of a backyard ultra is quite simple and has been encouraged by Gary Cantrell, aka Lazarus Lake and/or Laz, who founded both Big Backyard Ultra and the Barkley Marathons.
Tartarus Backyard Ultra will follow closely to Laz’s original format. The concept is simple. It’s a last person standing race. In the end, only one Runner and one Rucker will finish the race.
We’ve analyzed lots of data from weather and terrain and have found that Camp 7 and the month of August make the most ideal conditions for human potential in both running and rucking.
To be clear, these are two separate races. There is a running race and a rucking race. You can only participate in one or the other.
At 0800 hours, we will start a race at the old airstrip in Camp 7 and will use the local trails to complete the daytime loop that is 4.1667 miles (Runners) and 2.5 miles (Ruckers).
Each Runner and Rucker has exactly one-hour to complete the loop. We will start another race at 0900 hours, where Runners and Ruckers race around the same 4.1667 or 2.5 mile trail loop. The same will be done at 1000, 1100, 1200, and so on, every hour on the hour.
Runners and Ruckers must be standing in the start line corral when the next race starts. If you are out of the corral, you can not continue. Runners and Ruckers will also not continue if they self-eliminate. No late starts are allowed once the bell is rung.
Tartarus Races will continue until only one runner remains. At that point, the last Runner and Rucker must complete a loop on their own. If they can complete the loop then that person is the winner for either the Run or Ruck race. All other runners are considered Did Not Finish (DNF).
At 2000 hours, the races will be moved to an out-and-back course on the Centennial Trail. This will continue in likewise fashion every hour. At 0800 hours the next morning, the races will continue on the trail loop.
Ruck Weight Requirements
Core weight is defined as the total weight of your ruck and the weight used to achieve the minimum weight requirements. This does not include things like water and food or other equipment.
If you weigh greater than 150 pounds, then your core weight is 30 pounds.
If you weigh less than 150 pounds, then your core weight is 20 pounds.
There is no male/female variance, just body/ruck core weights.
Flow for the Start of Each Race
3 Whistles blown means – 3 minutes until start
2 Whistles blown means – 2 minutes until start
1 Whistle blown means 1 minute until start
RD announcements are at 30 seconds
RD counts down the last 10 seconds and a race begins at the ring of a bell.
Once the bell is rung, runners may not visit their crew, their tent, their vehicle or receive aid from anyone. Runners must stay on the course once the bell is rung. The only reason for leaving the course once the bell is rung is to use the portable toilets.
Once you finish your loop you may choose to do what you want, but must be back in the corral before the bell rings.
Runners will need to provide their own aid. Crews are permitted, but not necessary, and may leave and come back if needed.
There will be a space next to the start and finish line to set up a chair, cooler, and other small personal gear. Camping is permitted close by where you can set up a tent.
Any runner that DNF’s must immediately vacate the start/finish line to allow the remaining Runners and Ruckers to move closer.
DNF runners are encouraged to continue to watch and support other participants still in the races.
Portable Toilets will be located just after the start line.
Water and Coffee will be provided. Hammer Nutrition will be also be available.
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