The Iron Turtle

NOT YOUR AVERAGE BACKYARD ULTRA

Welcome to the most laid-back Backyard Ultra on this side of the Ultraverse. We have a basic format you’re probably familiar with, but also several “variations on the theme” that make this sucker a one-of-a-kind trail running experience.

The Format

Similar to other backyard races, you will run a 4 mile loop every hour until you stop. Each consecutive lap starts exactly on the hour.

NOW LET'S TALK ABOUT WHAT'S DIFFERENT:

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Double Winners

Most backyard ultras, or “last runner standing” events, are solely focused on one single winner. Well, not in our back yard! The Iron Turtle has two divisions: male and female. Runners will only be competing with others in their division, and we will crown both a male and female Last Runner Standing, or Ultimate Iron Turtle.

PR Focus

Instead of calling everyone else a DNF, we focus on personal PR’s. Run whatever distance you want, but we’re hoping many of you will use this format to try to run your longest distance ever. In fact, after you miss a cut-off, even though you will no longer be competing for Last Turtle Standing, we will still let you continue “unofficially” to reach your mileage goal. If you choose this option we will still record your overall mileage on Ultrasignup, because, who cares? You earned it. Also, all who achieve their PR will get a sexy Iron Turtle sticker (see photos).

The Squawking Chicken

Yes. He will be attending. He’s kind of like our mascot by now. He will announce the start of each lap, squawking gleefully at the top of every hour.

Finish Focus

No stress if you’re still tying your shoe or grabbing gear when the rubber chicken squawks to announce the start of the next lap – as long as you’re back off the trail before the next squawk, you’re still in.

Awards

Of course the male and female winners will get some fabulous swag. But, you’ll also get a finisher award showing your total mileage. And of course, everyone gets a cool shirt with a cool turtle on it.

The Shoot out Option

We have a shoot-out option after 12 hours. If the remaining runners agree, we will have one final 4 mile loop and the first runner back will be declared the winner. We will only trigger this format if all remaining runners agree. If just one person objects, then the regular format continues.

The Leap Frog Option

I know it's kind of crazy to bring a frog to a turtle race, but hear me out: We are also toying with the idea of having a “leap frog” or “tag team” division. Bring a running buddy. You run one loop, they run one loop, etc. This could go on for days, so if we add this division we will have some tricks up our sleeve that we can implement after the 12 hour mark to narrow the field -- we still have to go to work on Monday. Send me an email if you’re interested in this variation and we’ll see if we can pull it off.

ADDITIONAL RACE INFO

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Park Ammenities

Beautiful Lake Lurleen offers camping, fishing, and swimming before or after the race. Also, hot showers! The park has recently been remodeled with new roads, new bathrooms, new pavilions, etc. Come check it out!

The Course

This is a well-groomed trail with minimal elevation (about 270 feet of gain per lap). The course is 95% single track, 5% paved road. The distance of the loop will be 4 miles.

Aid Stations

At the start / finish you will find a well-stocked aid station with all the usual treats and electrolytes, including lunch and dinner options for those who are in it for the long run (pun intended). This year the start / finish will be the pavilion straight in front of the main bridge. There will be plenty of room around this camping area to park, set up a tent, or use one of the surrounding pavilions for your set-up.

The Crew

We are here for you. We promise to provide an up-beat, encouraging environment to help you enjoy the event and reach your goal. We will be cranking the tunes so you can hear the finish line before you get there. We will do our best to get you what you need to keep you fueled up and staying in the game.

That's it

Come Join Us!

Event's current local time: 4:03 AM CT