The Loop
The course is a ~0.7 mile loop on mixed terrain around the property. Expect dirt, grass, some uneven footing, and small climbs and descents. It is fully runnable, but it will add up over hours.
2026 Edition
Cat Lap Backyard Ultra
A low-key backyard ultra on a home-built loop in Lyle, Washington. Three formats, one goofy little course, three very opinionated cats.
Date
May 30, 2026
Location
Lyle, WA (private property)
Loop
~0.7 miles per lap
Registration details will be shared directly with invited runners. This is a small, backyard-style event hosted at a private home.
Race Formats
- 3-Hour Run as many laps as you can in three hours.
- 6-Hour Double the chaos on the same little loop.
- Last Cat Standing Classic backyard-style format. Keep answering the bell until you cannot.
All formats share the same loop and start/finish area. We keep timing rough, vibes high, and cats in charge.
How Cat Lap Works
Think backyard ultra energy with fewer people, more cats, and a course carved into the hillside behind the house.
Start / Finish Area
All formats start and end at the same backyard staging area with canopy shade, music, basic seating, and space to stash your gear. The cats patrol and supervise.
Aid & Water
We provide water, simple snacks, and basic aid station supplies. Plan to bring your own fueling plan if you want anything specific. You will pass the aid area every lap.
Timing & Laps
For fixed-time races, any lap you complete before the cutoff counts. For Last Cat Standing, you must start each new lap on time and finish within the hour to stay in. Lifetime laps get tracked and posted to the leaderboard.
Race Day Schedule
Final times may shift slightly, but this is the general flow for the 2026 edition.
| Time | What’s Happening |
|---|---|
| 7:30 am | Check-in opens, coffee, course previews, cat introductions. |
| 8:30 am | Brief pre-race meeting and loop walkthrough highlights. |
| 9:00 am | Start for 3-Hour, 6-Hour, and Last Cat Standing runners. |
| 12:00 pm | 3-Hour race wraps up, informal high-fives and snacks. |
| 3:00 pm | 6-Hour race wraps up and lap counts get tallied. |
| Until last cat stands | Last Cat Standing continues until one runner answers the bell and no one else does. |
What to Bring & What to Expect
Bring
- Your normal trail-running kit and backup layers.
- Personal fuel and hydration setup you like.
- A chair or small camp setup for the staging area.
- Sun protection and a backup pair of shoes/socks.
- A good attitude and willingness to cheer for others.
Expect
- Small field size and lots of looped course time together.
- Plenty of chances to regroup at the start/finish every lap.
- Low-friction organization and homegrown race vibes.
- Cats circulating through the staging area and cheering section.
- More laps than you thought you would run on a little backyard loop.
FAQ
Can I camp or hang out before/after?
This is a one-day event. We encourage people to hang out before and after, but overnight camping is by invitation only and depends on space and logistics.
Are spectators allowed?
Yes, within reason. This is a private residence, so we keep numbers small. If you want to bring someone along to crew or spectate, let the race hosts know in advance.
Are there cutoffs?
The 3-Hour and 6-Hour races end at their respective time limits. Any lap finished before the time is up counts. For Last Cat Standing, you must start each new lap on time and finish within the hour to remain in.
Will this qualify me for anything?
Cat Lap is for fun, fitness, and cat-approved suffering. It is not currently tied to any larger series or official qualifiers.
How do I get invited?
Invitations go out to friends, local runners, and people connected to the hosts and trail community. If you are interested, reach out, introduce yourself, and we will see what the field can support.