FatDog Backyard Ultra is an inclusive event following the Backyard Ultra format, where participants complete a 6.7056 km (4.167 miles) lap every hour starting on the hour until they either do not complete within the time limit or do not start the next lap at the top of the hour. The last person standing is declared the winner; all others are “DNF.”

Some come with the goal of “Last Person Standing,” while many others come to push themselves farther than they have gone before. The format ensures that everyone, regardless of ability, is back at the start line every hour, to begin another lap together. Because of this, many deep friendships are formed over the hours and days spent together on course.

Each racer must choose how they wish to complete their lap – faster laps allow for more rest time between laps but take more energy to complete. Slower laps allow runners to conserve energy but trade off for less rest time in between laps. Strategy and mental toughness are as much a part of success as is physical fitness.

As a registered Backyard Ultra event, participants are also able to earn themselves a spot on the “At Large List” for the Canadian National Backyard Ultra team, and a chance to compete at the World Backyard Ultra Championship.

The course utilizes the parking area at Abbotsford Exhibition Park for the start/finish staging area, then links to the Discovery Trail and trails around Clearbrook Park in central Abbotsford. It offers a mix of paved, hard-packed gravel and dirt surfaces with no running on roads. The course will be open to the public on race day, so please be mindful of those around you.