Pain Is Currency Backyard Ultra

Run 4.167 miles every hour, on the hour. With one more pound on your back. Until only one remains.

 A standard backyard ultra is brutal enough. This one is worse.

Every lap you survive, you carry one more pound. Weight increases. Time does not.

The casual leave early. The committed stay. The obsessed endure.


Register HERE

 

Overview

What is this?

This is a true Last Man Standing–style backyard ultra with a twist:

  • 4.167-mile loop every hour, on the hour
  • 1 lb of weight added every loop
  • You must start each loop on time or you’re out
  • You keep going until there’s one runner left

There is no finish line. 

  • Date: Saturday April 4, 2026
  • Location: 1723 Maidens Rd, Maidens, VA 23102
  • Start Time: 8:00 AM
  • Host: Ultra Cult Run Club
  • Limit: 50 runners


Format & Rules

Backyard Ultra Format

  • The course is a 4.167-mile loop.
  • A new loop starts every hour on the hour.
  • You must be in the starting corral when the hour begins.
  • If you do not start a loop on time, you are out.
  • If you fail to complete a loop within the hour, you are out.
  • The race continues until only one runner completes a loop. That runner is the Last Man Standing (or last runner standing).

The Weight Rule (Pain Is Currency)

  • Loop 1: No added weight – just you and the trail.
  • Loop 2 and beyond: +1 lb of weight per loop, cumulative.
  • Example:
    • Loop 2 = 1 lb
    • Loop 3 = 2 lbs
    • Loop 4 = 3 lbs
    • Loop 10 = 9 lbs
    • …and so on.
  • Weight can be carried however you want:
    • Running vest
    • Backpack
    • Waist pack, etc.
  • We will provide weight
  • If you fail to carry the required weight for a loop, it’s an automatic DNF. Runners will be randomly audited.
  • When runners return from completing their loop they will be given their 1 pound for the next loop. Their pack, vest, etc will be staged near the starting line and is not allowed to go back to their camp.
  • Headphones are allowed on the course

 


Schedule

Race Day Schedule

  • [7:00 AM] – Check-in, bib pickup, camp setup
  • [7:45 AM] – Pre-race briefing
  • [8:00 AM] – Loop 1 starts (no weight)
  • [9:00 AM] – Loop 2 starts (+1 lb)
  • [10:00 AM] – Loop 3 starts (+2 lbs)
  • …
  • [Until] – only one runner completes a loop

Between loops, you return to the start/finish “yard” to:

  • Eat
  • Refuel
  • Change gear
  • Question yourself
  • Decide if you’re going back out
  • Acquire one additional pound of weight


Course Info

Course

  • Distance: 4.167 miles
  • Surface: Mountain bike trail single track
  • Elevation: 100ft gain per loop/yard
  • Terrain: Roots, rocks, rolling hills, 

The loop is designed to be runnable, but not friendly. Over time, the combination of fatigue + weight does the real work.

Marking

  • The course will be heavily marked with flags, tape, and motivational signs
  • You’ll run the same loop every hour (There is no separate day/night course, so you’ll get to know it well)


Aid, Water & Camp Setup

Aid Station

  • Water: Provided at the start/finish.
  • Food: We may possibly make food depending on sponsorship participation but plan to provide your own calories. In our experience, runners tend to rely on their crew more than aid stations
  • Restrooms will be nearby camp and accessible

Personal Camp

Runners may set up a small personal camp in the start/finish area:

  • 10x10 Tent / chair / cooler / stove / etc.
  • Keep gear tight and out of the path
  • Each runner will be provided a 10x10 lot. Runners may set up their camp the night prior beginning at 5PM

This is a minimalist race. Bring what you need to in order to sustain yourself 


Registration & Pricing

Registration

  • Race also listed on UltraSignup
  • Entry fee: $90 + fees, $100 + fees after March 1, 2026
  • Limit: 50 Runners

What’s Included

  • Race entry into the Pain Is Currency Backyard Ultra
  • Bib / sticker / shirt 

Awards

  • Last Runner Standing:
    • Trophy / Gift card
  • All others:
    • DNF and 1 pound memento


Rules, Policies & Fine Print

Official Backyard Ultra Association Rules

  1. Course:
    1. Loop or out and back
    2. Must be 4 miles 880 feet in length
    3. Metric equivalent 6.7056 kilometers
  2. Starting Corral:
    1. Measured to fit entire starting field
    2. Corral stays the same size throughout the event
    3. Participants must be inside the corral at the bell
  3. Starts:
    1. Each Yard starts precisely one hour after the last
    2. Warning must be given 3, 2, and 1 minute before the bell
    3. All competitors must start at the bell (No late starts)
  4. Yards:
    1. Except for restroom breaks a competitor cannot leave the course until the Yard is complete
    2. No non-competitors on the course (including eliminated runners)
    3. No personal aid during a Yard
    4. Each Yard must be completed in less than an hour to be counted
    5. No artificial aids (including trekking poles)
    6. Slower runners must yield/allow passes
  5. Timing:
    1. Keeping lap times is optional
  6. Winner/Results:
    1. The winner is the last person to complete a Yard
    2. All others are technically DNF
    3. Results of each participant in terms of Yards completed are to be given
    4. If no participant can complete one more yard than anyone else there is no winner
  7. Cap:
    1. Race must be open ended

DNF Policy

  • Once you declare you’re done or fail to start/finish a loop on time, you are DNF.
  • No jumping back in.

Refund / Transfer Policy

  • Refunds: 50% refund until March 1st, 2026. No refund after March 1st, 2026
  • Transfers: Allowed anytime until March 21st, 2026. Runners handle payment between themselves
  • Deferrals: No deferrals


Gear & Weight Recommendations

Suggested Gear

  • Pack or vest capable of carrying increasing weight
  • Headlamp and backup batteries (if you expect to go into the night)
  • Weather-appropriate clothing layers
  • Nutrition you’ve trained with
  • Camp chair, 10x10 tent, extra socks, tape/blister kit, crew

 

REGISTER HERE


FAQ

How far is this race?
That is up to the final two runners

How does the weight work again?
Starting on Loop 2, you add 1 lb of weight every loop (cumulative). Loop 2 = 1 lb, Loop 3 = 2 lbs, etc. The amount of total weight carried will coincide with the amount of hours ran.

Think of the clock:

(Start) 00:00 - No weight

(Loop 2) 01:00 - 1lb total

(Loop 3) 02:00 - 2lbs total

.....

(Loop 10) 09:00 - 9lbs total

Do I have to carry the weight in a specific way?
No. Any safe method is fine: backpack, running vest, by hand, etc.

Can I have crew?
Yes, in the start/finish yard only.

Can I sleep between loops?
If you can fall asleep and wake up in time to make it to the corral before the next loop, go for it.

Is this race for beginners?
This race is for people who are comfortable being uncomfortable for a long time. If you’re unsure, train hard and show up anyway.

Who’s putting this on?
Ultra Cult Run Club

Contact

Questions?
Email: ultracultrunclub@gmail.com
Instagram: @ultracultrunclub