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:
..
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
.
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
Tuscaloosa Oktoberfest 5K : Presented by Mercedes-Benz U.S. International
Race Start Time: 8:00am CDT
Race End Time: 9:00am CDT (located at race start)
With your registration to this event, you will receive:
Full Participation in the 5K
Oktoberfest 5K T-shirt
Oktoberfest Event Beer Stein
One Complimentary Beer from Oktoberfest Vendor (ages 21+)
Donations in addition to your race fee can be made during registration or at any time by selecting the "Donate" page on the side menu. Any donation made during registration that is over $50 will be used to cover your registration fee!
Any fundraiser who raises at least $50 will have their entire registration fee refunded!! *
The 18th annual Freaky Friday 8K takes place on a scenic yet scary course during the darkness. There will be a post-race awards ceremony complete with food and drinks at Dreamland Barbecue along with a costume contest prior to the start of the run. Local radio stations and craft beer will also be on hand for registered runners.
Packet pickup will be at Dreamland BBQ at 101 Bridge Ave, Northport, AL, Thursday, October 29, 2026, from 5pm-6pm.
Time & Location?
September 12-13, 2026
Munny Sokol Park South? 5901 Watermelon Road, ?Northport, AL 35473
Description:
Join us at Munny Sokol Park for our return back to the Tuscaloosa area for another amazing XC Mountain Bike Race – September 12-13, 2026!
Get ready to test your skills on one of West Alabama’s favorite trail networks at Munny Sokol Park in Northport, AL (just outside Tuscaloosa). This classic cross-country race offers fast, fun, and flowy singletrack with a mix of technical sections, short climbs, and rewarding descents that keep riders of all levels engaged.
?Event Schedule?
Saturday, September 12 – Pre-ride will open at noon with taped course.
Sunday, September 13, 2026 XC Race for Juniors, Adults & EMTB
Cash payout for overall Expert winners?
Podium prizes for top finishers in every age group
It’s fast, fun, and family-friendly — don’t miss out on one of the most thrilling races of the season!?
Online registration only.
XC Regular Registration
Price $50?
Add $10 to all PRO/CAT 1 15+ (overall payout)
?$10 Late after August 31, 2026.
Includes t-shirt if registered by cut off date (10 days prior to event date).
Start Times?
EMTB 8:30am?
PRO / CAT 1 9:15am?
CAT 2 / Single Speed - 9:30am?
CAT 3 - 10am?
Women's Novice - 10:15am
?Clydesdale- 10:15am
?Sasquatch -10:15am
?Awards to follow
Lodging- Visit Tuscaloosa
XC Categories
Expert/Pro Payout
Go Nuts Regionals (GNR) eMTB Rules as follows: 1) Maximum 750watts - assistance up to 20 miles per hour - Pedaling assistance only. No hand or foot throttle allowed. Automatic disqualification. Bicycles must remain locked, i.e., no modification of wheel sensor from factory circumference or any other modification to manipulate the factory set speed of the bike.?2) Throttle mechanisms are prohibited.?3) Studded tires are prohibited.?4) It is forbidden to change e-bike during the event even if the rider finishes the event with the same race plate.?5) It is forbidden to recharge the e-bike or battery in the technical zone during the GNR event.?6) Technical assistance consists of the replacement or repairs of any part of the e-bike at the exception of the frame, wheels or battery.?7) Riders age categories are 18 and under, 19-39, 40-49 and 50 plus for Classes; Amateurs, Experts and Open Pro. 8) Riders can only use the battery in place on their bike and cannot carry or switch out an additional
battery during the competition.?9) Race course length will be 4.5 - 7 miles depending on difficulty. Steeper climbs and more technical than normal XC will be tested on some courses. Each category will start an hour apart and should be completed within their hour.?10) Races will be conducted regardless of weather conditions. In the event of rain or other unfavorable conditions, it may be necessary to alter the order of the event schedule, including but not limited to, adjusting the length of the race or delaying or stopping the program completely. Should a delay occur, every effort will be made to resume the schedule in a timely fashion if conditions significantly improve.?11) No headphones, earphones or sound devices permitted. Horns and bells are permitted.?12) Riders are required to wear the appropriate helmet. Other protective gear is optional; gloves, goggles, elbow/knee guards, etc.?13) Shirt, shoes, and pants/shorts required. Clipless or flat pedals are both permitted.?15) An
E-Mountain Bike is a bike operated with two energy sources, human pedal power and an electric engine, which only provides assistance when the rider is pedaling.?16) The course will the taped and marked. Any rider cutting the course will be disqualified.?17) Any behavior deemed in appropriate or unsportsmanlike like conduct will not be tolerated. Verbal or physical infractions will result in a disqualification.
Severe weather policy?Unless otherwise posted, race will be held. Safety of all racers is our main priority. If there is a delay or cancellation due to weather conditions, racers are responsible for checking information posted by director.?The information will be posted on the homepage of website, social network avenues, and via email up to 72 hours prior to the race.
Transfer/Refund Policy?There will be no registration refunds once registration is processed. We will allow transfers to upcoming races. All transfers must be requested 10 days prior and is only allowed for races that were rescheduled. Transfers will not be allowed 10 days before race or after race.