Andy's Backyard Ultra
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Event overview
Andy's Backyard Ultra is scheduled for Saturday, October 24, 2026, at the Teventrails in Earlysville, Virginia (5422 Markwood Road). The site is about 14 miles northwest of Charlottesville in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The event lists an entry fee of $100 and registration closes October 22, 2026; 66 spots remain at the time of posting. Packet pickup begins the Friday before race day and a pre-race briefing is held that Friday.
Format, course and logistics
The event uses the backyard ultra format: competitors run repeated laps of 4.17 miles and must complete each lap within the hourly window to remain in the race. Each lap has approximately 358 feet of elevation gain and loss. The sole winner is the last person who completes one more lap than all other runners; if no one achieves one extra lap, there is no winner and all entrants record a DNF. Runners must check in before the start and after each lap, follow whistle and cow bell signals, and adhere to rules about crew access and aid.
The course surface is a mixture of wooded single track, grassy fields, and farm roads. One central aid station will provide water and a designated space for each runner to set up a 10' x 10' tent area. Porta-potties are provided past the start line. Dogs are allowed in parking and start areas but are not allowed on the course. Any race profit will be given to the Earlysville Volunteer Fire Company. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
