The Iron Turtle
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The Iron Turtle - Backyard Ultra at Lake Lurleen, Tuscaloosa AL
The Iron Turtle is a backyard ultra held at Lake Lurleen Park in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. The basic format uses a loop of roughly 4 miles that runners complete each hour, with each consecutive lap starting on the hour. Runners continue until they stop.
The event has separate male and female divisions. Each division crowns a Last Runner Standing, also called Ultimate Iron Turtle. After 12 hours there is an optional shoot out lap to determine a winner if all remaining runners agree. A tag team or leap frog division is being considered, where teammates alternate laps.
The organizers emphasize personal records. Runners may continue unofficially after missing a cut off to pursue mileage goals, and overall mileage will be recorded on Ultrasignup. Runners who achieve a personal best receive an Iron Turtle sticker. Winners and finishers receive awards and shirts.
The course is a well groomed trail with about 270 feet of elevation gain per lap, approximately 95% single track and 5% paved road. The aid station at the start and finish is stocked with food and electrolytes, including lunch and dinner options for long distance participants. The event uses the North Trailhead pavilion for space to set up personal aid stations.
Park amenities include camping, fishing, swimming and hot showers. A rubber chicken mascot signals the start of each lap. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
