Fat Dog Backyard Ultra
About the Race
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 Bronze Ticket event, participants are also able to earn themselves a spot at a Silver Ticket Event (for 2026), or a spot on the "At Large List" to be considered for Team Canada at the National Championships 2026. Winners of silver ticket events receive an automatic entry to Team Canada at the National Championships in 2026.
The Course
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.