MAD Backyard Ultra

👋 MEET THE TEAM BEHIND THE MADNESS! 🌀

We might be a long way out from the January 2027 edition of the MAD Backyard Ultra, but putting on an event like this takes a village—and a lot of year-round planning. Since the mind game for 2027 starts now, we wanted to officially introduce the team that rings the bell, corrals the runners, and keeps the energy alive at Camp Jordan!

❤️ What's in a Name? The "MAD" Origin
Ever wonder where the "MAD" in MAD Backyard Ultra comes from? It’s not just about the crazy format—it actually stands for Mandy and David! This race was born from their shared passion for the endurance community, turning a husband-and-wife teamwork dynamic into the ultimate backyard challenge.

🏔️ David Lane – Race Director & Founder
David is an RRCA Certified Race Director and the mastermind behind the Chattanooga Ultra Championship. If it involves running in circles for hours on end in the Chattanooga area, David probably has his hands on it. Along with MAD, he directs the Locomotion Endurance Event, Circle Endurance Event, and the upcoming handicap-style Wauhatchie Trail Race. He lives for the strategy of endurance sports and loves watching runners smash through their mental limits.

⏱️ Amanda "Mandy" Lane – The Glue & Volunteer Coordinator
They say behind every great race director is an even better team, and Mandy is the ultimate glue holding it all together. She assists with logistics across all events, but her most crucial role is Volunteer Coordinator. From managing the 3:00 AM shifts to making sure the pancake griddle stays hot, Mandy ensures our volunteer village is unparalleled.

📢 Michelle Sledge – Co-Race Director, MAD Backyard Ultra
We are thrilled to introduce Michelle as our newest official member and Co-Race Director for MAD! While the title is new, Michelle is backyard royalty. She has been involved with MAD every single year as our Start Line Master of Events. If you’ve stepped into the MAD corral, you absolutely know her—she’s the commanding, high-energy voice behind the megaphone keeping you on schedule when the countdown ticks away!

Whether you are a seasoned backyard veteran or just starting to look into what this "4.1667-mile" thing is all about, this team is already working hard to make 2027 our best year yet.

Drop a comment below to say hello to the crew, or shout out your favorite memory of Michelle’s megaphone from years past! 👇🛎️

🚨 THE MADNESS CONTINUES: 2027 REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN! 🚨

Did you miss the bell this year? Or are you already itching to get back into the corral? Whether you’re looking for redemption or your very first buckle, now is the time to secure your spot for the 6th Annual MAD Backyard Ultra!

Our 2026 race was our biggest yet, and with the "MADness" spreading, we expect spots for 2027 to go faster than a 15-minute yard. Don’t get stuck on the waitlist—come join Harley and the crew at Camp Jordan for the ultimate test of will.

📅 Save the Date: January 16, 2027 📍 Location: Camp Jordan, East Ridge, TN 🛎️ The Format: 4.1667 miles. Every hour. Until only one is left.

Why sign up now?

The First Leg: MAD is the official kickoff for the Chattanooga Ultra Championship. Start your journey to the triple crown early!

Bronze Ticket: We are proud to continue as a qualifying event for the Big Dog’s Backyard Ultra series.

The Community: There is no atmosphere quite like the MAD village.

Are you ready to see how many yards you have in you? 🌀🏃‍♂️

🔗 https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=134935

MAD Backyard Ultra Register Now!

Proud to say the MAD has a new female course record holder. Ashley Rolewicz Pipkin. With 133 miles / 32 yards.