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mad trapper

The Mad Trapper Snowshoe

Backyard Ultra

March 5, 2022 - 8am until... there can be only one!

The Ark, Denholm, Quebec, Canada
40 minutes north of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

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Inspired by Lazarus Lake (founder of the Barkley Marathon) and Big's Backyard Ultra, the Mad Trapper is hosting a snowshoe version of the Big's Backyard Ultra on February 29, 2020 at The Ark in Denholm, Quebec, Canada.


The concept is simple:


At 0800 hours on Saturday, March 5, 2022 we will start a clockwise race around the 5km "Flatter" loop.


The time limit will be one hour.


At 0900 hours, we will begin another race around the loop, although this time, you'll be running counter-clockwise (even hour loop is clockwise, odd-hour loop is counter-clockwise).


Every hour, on the hour, runners will meet at the start line. This will continue until only ONE RUNNER can complete the loop within the time limit.

Any runner not in the starting corral for any loop, is not eligible to continue.


No late starts!


If no single runner can complete a loop at the end, there will be no winner.


When darkness sets, runners will require headlamps, but the course will remain the same.

This is a race of attrition. It's not about speed, or who can run the fastest. It a test of grit. It's only about who can last the longest. THERE CAN BE ONLY ONE!


When the race starts at 8am, everyone is tied for "first place" and everyone has the same opportunity to win. Still, at 36 hours into the race, eveyone who stands at the start line is still tied for first place. There are no "leaders" in this race.


There is only the one racer who finishes, and everyone else who DNFs.

 Runners are responsible for their personal aid.


Ark well water will be available throughout the race.


Chili and soup will be served beginning at 1400 hours and continue until the finish.

And of course, the world famous Mad Trapper brownies will also be served throughout the event.


Crews are allowed, but not necessary.


Space for a lawn chair and cooler will be provided for runners near the start/finish (first come, first claimed).


There is also limited space indoors for people to warm up between loops. We will also have the woodstove sauna fired up for those who find themselves especially chilly!

Runners who quit, give up, fail, DNF will be required to vacate their space so that the survivors can move closer to the starting corral.


Tent space is also available to runners nearby and elsewhere on the property, but it is winter so I'm not sure how many will take advantage of this option.


The lone finisher will also receive a handmade wooden finisher's plaque.

Pleae remember, the Mad Trapper Snowshoe Backyard Ultra is following the concept and rules of Big's Backyard Ultra.


There are no cutoff times or tiebreakers. The Mad Trapper Snowshoe Backyard Ultra continues until only one woman (or man) is left standing....


No matter how long it takes.


This is a race of true madness.

Registration 411

For 2022 there is no application process. This race is first come, first entered.


However, we are capping this first event at 50 racers and past Mad Trapper participants were given early notification.


So, when we are sold out, we are sold out...

Entry Fees: 

Early Bird: $60 CAD

Regular (begins Feb 1, 2022): $60 CAD