The Fat Moose Backyard Ultra race details

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The concept of a backyard ultra is quite simple and has been encouraged by Gary Cantrell, aka Lazarus Lake or Laz, who founded both Big Dog's Backyard Ultra and the Barkley Marathons.

The format is simple. Runners complete a 4.167-mile loop every hour on the hour until you drop out or do not meet the cut off time. The last runner standing is the official winner.

The race starts promptly at 7:00pm on Friday, June 25, 2027. Yes, this means you will most likely be running the dark and may "NOT finish" in the dark. Will you see the sunrise? That's up to you.

Runners must be standing in the start line corral when the next race starts. If you do not go through the check in point but the 1 minute mark, you cannot start nor continue for subsequent laps. Runners  will also not continue if they self-eliminate. No late starts are allowed once the horn sounds.

The Fat Moose will continue until only one runner remains. At that point, the last Runner must complete a loop on their own. If he/she completes the loop then that person is the winner.  All other runners are considered Did Not Finish (DNF).

Runners will be given a 5-minute notice before the start of the next loop followed by a 1-minute notice. At that point, runners must in the corral and ready for the next loop. Once the horn goes off, runners may NOT visit their crew, their set up area, their vehicle or receive aid from anyone. Runners must stay on the course once the horn sounds. The only reason for leaving the course once the horn sounds 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 horn sounds to start the next lap. Runners will need to provide their own aid. Crews are permitted, but not necessary, and may leave and come back if needed.

Once the sun goes down (around 9pm in June), ALL remaining runners are required to wear headlamps. While not required, a rear blinking red light is suggested. Once it becomes light out (around 4am in late June), headlamps are no longer required. There will be limited lighting at the start/finish area so runners are encouraged to bring additional lights for their respective areas.

While not mandatory, we highly suggest bear spray and some sort of sounding device, like a whistle or bell during the night hours. This will deter any wildlife and protect athletes.

Weather in the Pacific Northwest can be unpredictable. The race will operate rain or shine. Temperatures in late June have a normal high in the mid-70s and lows in the 50s. It is not uncommon to be in the 90s during the day or the 40s at night. Severe thunderstorms and lightning in the area may delay the start of any laps until it passes. At that point, the event will continue. Be prepared for anything. 

Any runner who DNF’s needs to vacate the start/finish line to allow the remaining Runners to move closer to the start area, if they choose. DNF runners are welcome to hang around to cheer on others but should remove gear from their respective areas.

Portable Toilets will be located in the start area along with the regular trail bathrooms.

Water and Coffee will be provided. Limited nutrition will be also be available but do not rely on it as the sole source of hydration and nutrition. YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR OWN HYDRATION AND NUTRITIONAL NEEDS.