Race for DFL

Race Overview

This is a "last runner standing"-style race. Where last is first, and first is last! This is a BRONZE Ticket Backyard Ultra - which is the first step towards qualifying for the Big's Backyard Ultra World Championship.

• Pompom hats: to first 150 that sign up...so be sure to join us!!!
• Event site: at 554 Joslin Road, Winchendon.
• Access note: Joslin Road is a dirt road with an impassible section in the middle - so be sure to enter Joslin Road off the Mill Glen Road side.
• Event URL: For more details, visit Race for DFL.

How the Ultra Works

• Course length: the course is 4.1666 miles long.
• Laps: every hour (on the hour), competitors line up to start a lap. First lap starts at 8am.
• Completing laps: to continue in the race, you must complete the lap each hour and line up to start the next hour's lap.
• Final runner: this race will continue until there is only one runner left...who is the DFL runner!

Race Victory

• Winning criteria: in order to be the winner (per Backyard Ultra official rules), the last runner MUST complete one lap more than any other runner (and must complete in under an hour).
• Testing endurance: Sound easy? Give it a go for a few hours...and let us know!
• Participation: For folks going for 50 miles or less only...anyone who is simply wishing to get in up to 12 laps (50 miles) but is NOT trying for the victory, may start at any time between 8am and noon.
• Starting time: Runners who don't start at 8am won't be eligible for the overall win!

4.16666 Mile Race Details

• Joining flexibility: folks are welcome to join in for any lap of the day on Saturday (i.e. YOU choose your starting time, any hour on the hour, between 8am and 11pm).
• Result compilation: we will time you for any lap, and compile the results based on everyone's best lap time throughout the day from the 1-lap race.
• Repeat attempts: run a lap and think you can go faster? That's great - give it another go at any hour! You've got until midnight and can give it as many tries as you want.

6 Hour/12 Hour/24 Hour Option

• Alternate option: We know that some folks aren't as interested in the Backyard Ultra-style and/or are trying to get their VT100 qualifier (50 miles in under 12 hours).
• Continuous running: We're giving you the option to run 6 Hours, 12 Hours or 24 Hours continuous (without needing to start at the top of every hour for your next lap).
• Tracking: You do the miles, we'll track the # of laps.
• VT100 qualification: Completing 12 hours of the Backyard Ultra race WILL qualify you for the VT100…but this option allows you to not stop every hour to line up with folks again.

Additional Details

• Event atmosphere: in true backyard ultra tradition, this race will be held in someone's backyard. Camping out the night before, and throughout the event, is encouraged!
• Food supply: aid station supplies will be a combination of ultra food, plus we'll be ordering some pizza at random intervals during the day.
• Community support: there's a bonfire going in the afternoon/evening - bring a camp chair, plan to stick around after you finish and heckle (I mean support) those still running.
• Sharing is caring: we encourage the community feel of folks bringing something to share for the aid station table. Please consider bringing your favorite ultra food, post-run food, or beer to share with the group.

Event Vibe

• Casual atmosphere: this is a completely laid back, fun event. Don't take it too seriously, but come enjoy some miles and some fun!
• Traditional start: every lap starts with the cracking of a beer - so bring a beer to crack to start the loop after you bow out to keep this tradition alive!
• Participation options: come for one lap, come for 12 laps (to get a VT100 qualifier), or see if you can outlast the rest.
• Enjoyment focus: Whatever you do - enjoy a weekend of running in western MA!

Questions

Got questions on the specifics? Let us know!