One of the most gruelling sports events to ever occur in Abbotsford is set to make its debut on March 23.
The Fat Dog Backyard Ultra race will challenge participants to 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 鈥淒NF.鈥
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.
Here's the course map for the first-ever Fatdog Backyard Ultra, which is set for March 23 in Abbotsford.
鈥 Ben Lypka (@BenLypka)
Event is limited to 100 participants and it follows the backyard ultra "last man standing" format. More here 鈥
The field is limited to 100 participants and registration for the event closes on March 10.
Each racer must choose how they wish to complete their lap 鈥 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 鈥淎t Large List鈥 for the Canadian National Backyard Ultra team, and a chance to compete at the World Backyard Ultra Championship.
For more information, visit