There are a lot of races on our calendar and, while we aren’t actually technically timing it due to the nature of the event, the Johnston Woods Backyard Ultra is something that we are excited to help promote and give to! As one of our favorite trail systems here in Bradley County, we love that Johnston Woods makes their trails open to the community despite being privately owned. We chatted with the Interim Director of Johnston Woods, Jenna Lofton, about Johnston Woods and the Backyard Ultra. Interested? Read on!

Can you tell us a little about yourself?

My name is Jenna Lofton. I am the Interim Director of Johnston Woods. I fell in love with the trails during the pandemic. I love running and biking the trails with my family. The summer of 2021, I started volunteering at Wonders in the Woods camps at Johnston Woods. The next thing I knew I was the director of a retreat center! I feel like the luckiest person in the world to go to work in such a beautiful, amazing setting and with incredible people and groups.

A lot of people in our community have heard about Johnston Woods but can you tell us a bit more about it?

If you haven't checked out our website, you need to! We have so much going on in the Woods. We have miles of public trails that are used for walking, running, and biking. Behind the gates, we are a retreat center, a wedding and event venue, and a summer camp. We host corporate events, parties, family reunions, and so much more. Churches and organizations come from all over the country to have retreats. We have award winning catering. We have two lakes on our 375 acres with miles and miles of private trails. We host an innovative and growing forest school called Woodsong Forest School. We have two large buildings, our rustic and historic Hurt Lodge and our new multipurpose Woodland Center. We have a large ballfield, 9 holes of disc golf, the famous Johnston Woods Lake dock, and 12 cabins. We located minutes from downtown Cleveland and Interstate 75 off at 298 Brymer Creek Road, McDonald.

The word "ultra" can strike fear in the heart of any runner! That being said, the Backyard Ultra is a little different. What is it and who is it for?

Ultra is an intimidating word, but we like to think of it as being the very best you can be. The race starts at 7 am. The runners will run the 4.2 mile course on the hour, every hour until they decide they are finished. They can rest, eat, and relax between laps. Yes, some of our runners have over 100 miles in a day but many racers are just testing their limits to see how far they can go. This race is for everyone who wants to push themselves to new accomplishments and reach new goals!

What can runners expect on race day?

The trail is a typical hiking trail lined with wildflowers, ferns, and creeks with the occasional fun obstacle of roots and rocks. There are engaging twists and turns and inclines all under a canopy of towering pine trees and hardwoods. Parking will be on the field behind the Woodland Center. Families and friends are welcome to come hang out on the ball field during the race. There will be limited indoor facilities, but we do have a few restroom options.

What should runners bring with them?

Runners should bring food and a refillable water bottle! We will have some snacks and food options and water a big dispenser for our registered racers. A headlight will be essential if running in the dark. Chairs and shade tents are welcome.

Anything else you would like readers (or possible runners!) to know?

This is a fundraiser race and all proceeds of this race will go to supporting the camps and work of Johnston Woods. We will be using the funds to help kids go to Wonder in the Woods camps.

Runners can sign up for the Backyard Ultra on Terra Running’s website or at johnstonwoods.org.