Backyard Ultra Marathon
01 July Mokolodi Nature Reserve
Backyard Ultra is a race where competitors must consecutively run 6,706 meters (aka a “yard”) in less than one hour until there is only one last finisher.
The date is approaching fast and we’re making preparations. Get registered, get training, and get out there!
A Backyard Ultra Explained
The concept is simple. Run 6.7 km every hour, on the hour. The aim is to complete as many laps as you can!
Each circuit starts on the hour and must be completed in less than 60 minutes. When each lap is completed, the remaining time within the hour is typically used to recover for the next circuit.
Everyone completes hourly circuits until there is only one runner still going. They are the event winner! Assuming they finish the last circuit in 60 minutes.
Is it only for experienced runners?
No, running the Backyard Ultra is about having fun and having a go. It’s about running with others and not necessarily running alone.
You decide if you want to make it to a personal challenge or if your focus is on the social component and just for the joy of running.
The current world record for a Backyard Ultra is 354 miles or 85 hours! But plenty of people stop after one or two yards.
Can i run with my friends or running club?
Yes. We have team registrations and encourage corporates and running clubs to enter as teams.
Both your individual and team yards will count.
Backyard Ultra
Individual World Championships 2024
We are an official partner and qualifier race for the Backyard Ultra Team World Championships in 2024. More details can be found here:
Rules
The rules of a backyard ultra are set by the international standards. These rules are very simple, and have been set to ensure that all runners that may qualify for championships have qualified in similar circumstances.
These rules are non-negotiable, and not even the Race Director can over-rule them.
- Each loop will start ON the hour.
- There will be a whistle blown each minute for the 3 minutes leading up to the hour mark so that runners are aware of the start time approaching.
- Runners MUST be within the starting corral before the gong is hit.
- Any runner that is not in the starting corral when the gong is hit, will be disqualified.
- Except for the use of the restroom, competitors may not leave the course at any point until the loop is complete.
- No non-competitors are allowed on the course, this includes eliminated runners. Note: this event is on public land, and others may be on the paths. Please ensure you are courteous to other path users. Also, based on this rule, if someone (non-competitor) starts to run with you, please politely inform them that they may cause you to be eliminated, and that you cannot run with them. Please notify the RD if you have issues regarding this.
- No personal aid. This includes anything from grabbing a drink bottle from someone to handing off some unwanted equipment. You must complete each loop with the same equipment that you left with, and must not meet with crew on the course. This also includes medical intervention. If you require urgent medical assistance, please contact the RD, and that will be arranged, however, you will be eliminated if you receive medical aid on the course. Aid will be available at the start/finish line if you need it.
- Each loop must be completed within the hour to be counted, including the final loop.
No artificial aids. Runners are not allowed to use any equipment that will assist them over others, this includes, but is not limited to running poles. Head torches are not included in this and are mandatory for any night loops.
- The winner is the last person to complete a loop.
- All others are technically a DNF
- Results of each runners achievements by time and distance will be available on the event website page the day after the event.
- In the instance that nobody goes any further than any other, there is not a tie, there is no winner.
- Head Torch – For all night loops, runners will be required to be wearing and using an operational head torch.
- Fluid Carrying – All runners must have the ability to carry a minimum of 250ml of fluid for each loop.