a backyard ultra is held on a looped course. in the classic version, you start a new lap every hour until only one runner is left. for cat lap, we bring that spirit to the last cat standing format, which requires runners to complete a 0.69 mile loop every 10 minutes, and also offer 3 and 6 hour options on the same loop.

cat lap takes place on private property in lyle, washington, overlooking the columbia river gorge. exact address and parking details will be shared with registered runners before race day.

you do not have to love cats, but you will definitely be around them. they will roam, observe, and occasionally demand attention between laps. if you strongly dislike cats, this is probably not your race.

parking is limited, so carpooling is encouraged. we will email you a week before the race with parking details. if you're carpooling, you may park across from confluence café near old highway 8.

yes! you are encouraged to bring your own furnishings to be as comfortable as possible. make yourself a nice blanket bed, or find a nice cozy cardboard box. we suggest you bring a 10x10 tent as well if you have one. it was well over 90 degrees in 2025 and shade was at a premium.

the primary restroom will be a porta-potty set up at the start/finish area so you can hop in and out between laps. if traffic ever gets truly wild or something goes wrong with the unit, we do have a backup bathroom inside the house, but that’s reserved for “things are getting dire” situations so we can keep the loop flowing and the house from turning into an aid station.

for the 3-hour and 6-hour event, you can choose to walk or run. for last cat standing, aim for an average pace of 14 minutes per mile to return in time.

we request one crew member per runner. if your friend is running, they can also crew for you during last cat standing.

a jbl speaker will be playing at the start/finish area. music will be turned off at 10 p.m. due to neighborhood restrictions.

no, you must rely on your own watch and follow the honor system.

yes. it is silly on purpose, but we will still track laps, times, and results for each format. think low-key community event with an actually organized spreadsheet behind it.