A Backyard Ultra is a new form of endurance event that is perfect for all runners, whether a speedy gazelle or a a value for money runner. We even had a power walker in 2022.
A Backyard Ultra Explained.
The concept is simple. Run 4.167 miles 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! The current world record for a Backyard Ultra is 110 laps (458 miles (737 km) achieved by Belgian runners Merijn Geerts, Ivo Steyaert, and Frank Gielen during the Backyard Ultra World Team Championship 2024.
A Personal Endurance Challenge.
The Backyard Ultra is a personal endurance challenge in which you see how far you can push yourself. It has been brought to the South West with the aim of becoming a regular event that offers something a little different to usual running races.
Our first event in 2022 took place at Newnham Park in Plympton just outside Plymouth. It was a huge success and over the past 4 years we have raised over £10000 for charity. Our record now stands at 30 Laps held by George.
All runners will set off and start together on Saturday 28th August at 9am.
This is the perfect event to see how far you can go. Tactically there is no point running really fast, this is a really social event with everyone taking a steady pace. So if you’re usually left at the back, this one is for you. Without distance limits, we’re sure some of you will surprise yourself.
Team Challenge
We’ve had several running clubs attend and really enjoy the social aspect. So in 2025 we added a team challenge to see how many combined laps you could do. We had 6 teams entered and to keep it fair averaged out the laps between the number of team members. Our winners in 2025 were the East Cornwall Harriers.
Entry cost £75.00 (rising to £95.00 on 31st Jan 2026) and includes camping for all runners and crew at no extra cost.
If you have a team of 6 or email rebeccamcwass@gmail.com for 10% off each entry.
Backyard Ultra Rules
The Course
Must be four miles and 880 feet in length.
The metric equivalent is 6.7056km.
The route for this event can be seen below.
Starting Corral
Measured to fit the entire starting field.
The corral stays the same size throughout the event.
Participants must be in the starting corral at the bell.
Starts
Each starting loop starts precisely one hour after the last.
Warnings must be given three, two and one minute before each start.
All competitors must start at the bell (no late starts).
Loops
Competitors may not leave the course, except for restrooms, until each loop is completed.
No non-competitors on the course. This includes eliminated runners.
No personal aid is permitted during a loop. Common aid stations are allowed.
Each loop must be completed within an hour to be counted. This includes the final lap.
No artificial aids including trekking poles can be used.
Slow runners must allow passes.
Winners / Results
The winner is the last person to complete a loop.
All other runners are technically DNF.
Results of all runners in terms of distance will be given.
If no runner can complete one more loop than anybody else, there will be no winner.