Backyard Ultra Team Championship

17th October 2026

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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.

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How do you qualify?

All participants will have qualified by either winning silver ticket events. Participants can also qualify by competing in a Backyard Ultra and posting a high lap "yard" count. Those scores are then added to the At-Large list and if you hold one 9 remaining sports, you've made the team!

Qualifying period - August 16, 2024, to August 15, 2026

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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

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THE SOUTH AFRICAN TEAM