The UK's best backyard ultras – fancy taking on one of these 'last man standing' sufferfests?
If you think that an ultramarathon isn’t for you, then you haven’t heard of the backyard ultra. The invention of Gary ‘Lazarus Lake’ Cantrell (the man behind the legendary Barkley Marathons), the race format is remarkably simple. Participants have to run a 4.167-mile loop (known as a yard) on the hour, every hour. If you can’t carry on, you DNF, and the race only ends when there’s one runner left.
While it might sound like a sadistic way to spend your Saturday, it’s actually an amazing introduction to ultrarunning, and it’s possible to soon rack up distance personal bests – 7 yards eclipses a marathon, while 8 (50K), 12 (50 miles) 15 (100K) and 24 (100 miles) are all common targets.
The discipline is exploding in popularity in the UK, with more events are popping up year-round. From super competitive contests that go on for days to pocket friendly plods, here’s our round-up of the UK’s best backyard ultras…
Longbridge 100
When: 21st June 2024 and 24 January 2025
If the thought of potentially covering 100 miles in 24 hours wasn’t tough enough, this East Sussex event throws some serious elevation into the mix, as participants gain almost 200m per yard. It also starts at 6pm – a particularly brutal baptism of fire during its winter event, which is held in the dark depths of January.
Trails and Tarmac
When: 25th June 2025
This Welsh adventure takes place just days after the summer solstice, giving runners minimal yards in the dark. Its early start time allows you to log 15 loops before dusk, while the promise of the 4am dawn chorus can act as a carrot to get you to the mythical 100-mile mark. The course itself is 50:50 trail and tarmac (hence the name), but even on the hard stuff, you’ll be treated to the Black Mountains’ amazing scenery.
Rasselbock BYU
When: 21st September 2024 and 1st March 2025
The Sherwood Pines race is so popular that it runs a spring and autumn event, enabling as many people as possible to sample the Nottinghamshire course’s trails and tribulations. You’ll have to be quick though – Rasselbock BYU has a dedicated following and many past entrants return year-on-year to try and beat their PB.
Cow Shed Backyard Ultra
When: 21 September 2024
The Cow Shed Backyard Ultra is one for your diary for North East-based runners. The course record (34) was set by the reigning UK female record holder Sarah Perry, and you can expect a competitive field that will go deep into a second day (or more…).
Portland Pig Backyard Ultra
When: 2nd May 2025
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Expect two prisons, a set of Olympic rings and beach views to die for on this Portland-based course, which takes place on a mix of grass, gravel, track and tarmac. Starting on the Friday before the early May bank holiday, you won’t be able to use work on Monday as an excuse to stop running…
Mapledurham Backyard Ultra
When: May 2025 (date TBC)
This race usually takes place during the early May bank holiday too, although the 2025 date is TBC. The HQ is set in the grounds of Elizabethan stately home Mapledurham House, giving an air of sophistication to the gruelling proceedings. The course is a loop out to Chazey Woods, where a maze of (hopefully) dry singletrack trails awaits.
The Governor Backyard Ultra
When: 29th June 2024, 24th August 2024, 9th October 2024 and May 2025 (date TBC)
To the uninitiated, a backyard might sound like a figurative form of punishment. This Kent event takes things a bit more literally, transforming a Victorian fortress on the Dover coast into HMP Hellfire for a series of events in 2024. Prisoners (AKA participants) have to run two out-and-back laps within the citadel’s confines to complete just one yard; it won’t be long before you're climbing the walls and plotting your escape.
Brighton Backyard Ultra
When: May 2025 (date TBC)
Stanmer Park Nature Reserve in the shadows of Ditchling Beacon is the setting for this south coast sojourn. Runners are allowed one crew member each to assist between yards and bringing your own shelter is recommended, although there will be a rest marquee for those without a pitch or support.
God’s Own Backyard Ultra
When: 16th November 2024 and 20th May 2025
Another race with a spring and autumn session, this event on the outskirts of Leeds has two courses – the trails of Bramley Fall Park by day, the tarmac of the Liverpool to Leeds canal towpath by night – which provide a welcome variation to proceedings just as you hit sleep deprivation. Its 8am start will allow you to rack up the yards before nightfall, but with 15 hours of darkness to contend with during the November event, it’s no walk in the park.
Suffolk Backyard Ultra
When: 1st June 2024
If you're looking to qualify for Big Dog’s – the first-ever backyard ultra which now acts as the unofficial World Championship event – you need to get a place at this Knettishall Heath Nature Reserve race in June. The unassuming spot on the outskirts of Thetford has been the site of some of the biggest runs in Backyard history – including John Stocker's 2021 run which saw him break the UK record with 81 yards – and regularly attracts a field competitive enough to secure an At-Large spot at Lazarus Lake’s world champs.
Blended’s Backyard
When: 8th June 2024
Hosted in the heart of Hampshire, Blended’s take on the last person standing format takes place on private land and tracks over meadows, through woodland trails and up to Bugmore Hill trig point. Its capacity for 250 runners makes it one of the biggest backyards in the UK, giving you ample opportunity to make loads of new running buddies as you go round and round.
Breakheart Backyard Ultra
When: 22nd June 2024
The creators of the Berkeley Marathons (a Gloucestershire-based event inspired by Lazarus Lake’s iconic Barkley Marathons) have continued their homage to the Tennessee-based race creator with this Breakheart Quarry race. Starting on the closest Saturday to the summer solstice, it’s ideal for those who don’t like running at night.
The Putney Loop Backyard Ultra
When: 22nd June 2024
Pound the pavements along the banks of the Thames on this West London loop. Setting off from St Mary’s Church, there are a variety of courses depending on the river’s tide times, but most take in Putney Bridge, Hammersmith Bridge and Fulham FC’s ground Craven Cottage. A not-for-profit event, entry is as little as £20, and all proceeds go to Glass Door Homeless Charity.
Faccombe Backyard Ultra
When: 5th July 2024
Another backyard with monster elevation gain (750ft per yard), this trail-based ultra is not for the faint-hearted. The Faccombe Estate event’s current record stands at 25 yards, which saw the winner Frank Wainwright clock 104.167 miles and climb higher than Mont Blanc. Ouch.
The Highlander
When: 20th July 2024
The Highlander takes place against the picturesque backdrop of Blair Castle Estate, where an undulating 4.167-mile off-road course greets participants hour after hour. Scotland’s only silver ticket event, there’s a spot on the UK Team for the World Team Championships (October 2024) up for grabs, so expect a strong field and a race that stretches deep into 30-plus yards.
The Pig on the Hill Backyard Ultra
When: 3rd August 2024
One of the UK’s cheapest backyards, this Llyn Peninsula-based race costs just £36 to enter, which is less than most of the best 10K races or half marathons. Its low price doesn’t mean a budget experience either; expect a real festival feel complete with free camping and a running road show from the Beautifully Brutal team.
Gosfield Backyard Ultra
When: 24th August 2024
While Essex might be well known for all the wrong reasons, when it comes to running events, you’re guaranteed a good time in the county thanks to its relatively pan-flat parcours. This August bank holiday get-together is the GBU’s inaugural edition, but its organiser – Top Day Events – is a well-oiled machine, having put on much-loved races in East Anglia such as the Essex Way Ultra 100K and 50K and The Sandlings 55.
The Devon and Cornwall Backyard
When: 31st August 2024
While the Devon course doesn’t technically cross into Kernow, its Newnham Park HQ on the outskirts of Plymouth is a stone’s throw from the River Tamar border, making it easily accessible for anyone in the South West. While entry will set you back £95, all proceeds go to Bowel Cancer West, meaning you’ll be helping someone in need – whether you run one or 100 yards.
Kinloss Backyard Ultra
When: 31st August 2024
Set on Kinloss Barracks, this Scottish Highlands event has one of the quirkiest courses in the UK and features a section along the former RAF station’s runway. It’s a loop where you can really fly, too, thanks to minimal elevation gain (<20m per yard) and a mixture of roads, forest trails and sandy tracks.
Manchester Backyard Ultra
When: 12th October 2024
The Outwood Trail on the outskirts of Manchester was formerly home to a railway line that ran between Prestwich and Radcliffe. In October, this brand new race will see runners bringing it back to life, as they chug up and down the out-and-back loop from the Giants Seat Scout Camp race HQ.
Golspie Backyard Ultra
When: 2nd November 2024
The Scottish Highlands in November is as precarious as it sounds, but if last year’s event is anything to go by – beautiful sunrises and the Northern Lights at night – you’d be mad to miss it. And no, you’re not hallucinating – the race HQ’s Dunrobin Castle backdrop does make it seem like you’re running through the set of a Disney princess film.
Redbridge Backyard Ultra
When: 16th November 2024
If the Suffolk Backyard Ultra is the UK’s answer to Big Dog’s, then Challenge Running’s winter outing is its Barkley Marathons. Based on Redbridge Cycling Centre’s 2km closed-road tarmac track, a yard consists of a short half lap and three full laps. By the end of your run, you’ll be able to do it with your eyes closed, which might actually be preferable to seeing the same course over and over again…
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