BACKYARD ULTRA
How many 6.706 km laps can you run on the hour, every hour?
Come and find out! The Backyard Ultra is a unique trail experience that will push you to your limits. It’s a race against the clock, against the course, and ultimately against yourself. Lap by lap, hour by hour, runners are pushed to test their limits, fuelled by the mantra of “just one more lap”, the energy of fellow competitors, and the support of friends and family. Complete each lap in under an hour, rest briefly, and head out again. The race continues until only one runner remains, a true test of endurance, grit, and determination.
So if you are looking at doing your first half, full, ultra or crazy distance marathon, then the Backyard Ultra Series gives you the chance to push yourself into the unknown.
RACE DETAILS
VENUE and DATES
Living Colour Backyard Ultra, Darling - 2nd / 3rd May
Van Gaalen Backyard Ultra, Hartbeespoort - 1st / 2nd August
TICKETS
R220 - Backyard Teaser '4 laps or less'
R340 - Backyard Dabble '7 laps or less'
R490 - Backyard Unlimited '8 laps or more'
R75 - Supporter fee (applicable to supporters who are staying overnight)
NB Backyard Teaser & Dabble Entries NB
Backyard Teaser & Dabble entries do not qualify for a finisher shirt. Dabble entries can however upgrade their entry on the day if you plan to go further then 8 laps and would like to get a BYU shirt.
'
ENTRY INCLUDES
Race number | Grab-n-go items | Medal | Venue Fee
Online entries close on the Wednesday at noon before the race.
REGISTRATION - BRIEFING - START
Registration will take place between 07H00 - 08H30.
Race Briefing will take place at 08H30 - 08H45.
The backyard ultra will start at 09H00.
RACE VILLAGE
Participants are allowed to setup their gazebos and tents on the Friday before the race. Venues will have shower facilities and toilets. Free coffee and tea will also be available for supporters and participants.
WATER POINTS AND NUTRITION
There are no water point on the route and participants are required to carry everything they need for each lap. Some last minute grab-n-go items will be available at the starting coral.
PRIZES
The Backyard Ultra is about challenging yourself, pushing your limits and seeing how far you are willing to go. This motivation comes from within, from your fellow participants and those supporting your journey. There are no prizes at the Backyard Ultra.
THE FINER DETAILS
HOW DOES IT WORK
Runners are required to complete a 6.706km lap in less than one hour. This is repeated on the hour, every hour until runners either are unable to complete the lap in the allotted time or fail to start a next lap. When each lap is completed, the remaining time within that hour is used to recover, eat, sleep, relax before the start of the next lap on the hour. Except for toilet breaks, competitors may not leave the course until each lap is completed. The winner is the person who completes the most laps.
Runners are required to be in the starting coral before the start of each lap and will be given three warnings before the start of each lap. All competitors must start at the bell (no late starts). Competitors who do not make the start will get a DNF, even if they are only 10 seconds late
3 minutes to go - 3 whistle blows
2 minutes to go - 3 whistle blows
1 minute to go - 1 whistle blow
Participants are required to provide their own nutrition for the duration of the event. Limited nutrition will be provided by the event organiser.
Supporters are allowed and encouraged to attend the event and provide all mental and nutritional support, however no support is permitted along the route.
Camping facilities will be available at all locations for competitors and supporters. Gazebos / Tents are allowed to be setup the night before and athletes and their spectators are allowed to stay at the venue the night before. Participants are required to bring their own camping equipment, gazebos or other items needed for the duration of the event.
THINGS TO BRING ALONG
Below is a guide on what items to bring to a backyard ultra.
Head lights with extra batteries
Extra socks and shoes (2 pairs recommended)
Water bottles / hydration pack
Race food and nutrition
Sunscreen / cap
Change of clothing
Chafe cream / Vaseline
Emergency space blanket
Soft shell jacket / Wind proof / rain jacket
Buff / Beanie / Thermal base layer / Fleece top / gloves
Tent / gazebo / chair / warm blanket / sleeping bag / pillow
Cooking equipment / Crockery and cutlery
REFUNDS
Participants are eligible for a refund up to 100% if cancellation occurs at least 14 days before the race.
No refunds will be issued for cancellations made within 13 days of the race.
No carry overs are allowed.
*Refunds will be paid less the Entry Tickets transaction fees (5%) plus (R3) per entry*
Backyard Ultra Team Championship
17th October 2026
On the 17th of October, 2026, we will see the best backyard athletes in the world, once again convening at sites around the world to compete in the World Backyard Ultra Team Championships. Each nation will simultaneously host a Backyard Ultra on home soil for 15 of their strongest local runners. Traditional rules apply: 6.7km loops, on the hour, every hour, until one person is left standing.
How does it work?
The 15 athletes will have dual motivation for running; both to score points for their country and naturally, to win the local race themselves. For each lap an individual completes, 1 point is awarded to their country's score. The total sum of all yards run by all 15 athletes by the end of their event, equals the country's overall score. The country with the highest number of yards wins the Championships. The athlete who wins their local Backyard will be crowned National Champion and will be invited to the Backyard Ultra – World Individual Championship on the 18 October 2025.
How do you qualify?
Participants will automatically qualify by winning silver ticket events. If you do not win the Silver Ticket event, participants can also qualify by competing in a Backyard Ultra race and posting a high lap "yard" count. Those scores are then added to the At-Large list. The top 15 distances then make the SA Team!
Qualifying period - August 16, 2024, to August 15, 2026
What races are left?
There are 3 races left to qualify for the SA Team Champs.
Potch Backyard Ultra - 25th April
Living Colour Backyard Ultra - 2nd May
Van Gaalen Backyard Ultra - 1st Aug