Dead Cow Gully Backyard Ultra
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Race Schedule
| Distance | Date | Start Time |
|---|---|---|
| Backyard Ultra | Sat, 30 May | 07:00 |
Event Details
About This Event
Last one standing backyard ultra on a 6th generation cattle property. Run 6.7km loop every hour until only one participant remains. Course runs through stockyards, grasslands, gullies and gumtrees alongside cattle. Each competitor issued a cattle tag to hang at race HQ. Trophies handmade from 80-year-old fence posts. Free camping available.
Course Description
Dead Cow Gully Backyard Ultra is a unique last-one-standing event on a working 6th generation cattle property. Run a 6.706km loop every hour, on the hour, until only one participant remains. The course winds through authentic rural Queensland landscape—stockyards where cattle roam free, open grasslands, creek gullies (including the namesake Dead Cow Gully), and natural bushland dotted with gumtrees. The terrain combines timbered ridges descending into partially cleared creek flats, offering a genuine outback ultra experience. Each loop must be completed within the hour to continue, testing both physical endurance and mental resilience in this historic rural setting.
Quick Facts
Getting There
The property is located 11km north of Nanango in rural Queensland at 675 Walsh Road, Runnymede. From Nanango, head north and follow signage to the property. Ample parking is available on-site at the cattle property. Free camping is available for participants wanting to stay overnight. Arrive early on race morning to allow time for registration and course familiarisation. Public transport is not available to this rural location; private vehicle is essential.
Weather & What to Pack
Late May in rural Queensland typically brings mild, pleasant conditions ideal for ultra running. Expect daytime temperatures ranging from 12-22°C, with cooler nights potentially dropping to 5-10°C. This is the tail end of autumn, so conditions are generally dry with lower humidity than summer months. Mornings start crisp, warming through the day. Prepare for changing conditions during overnight loops if you make it that far. Pack layers for temperature fluctuations, sun protection for daytime loops, and head torch for any night running. Hydration remains important despite cooler temperatures.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Backyard Ultra format work?
You must complete a 6.706km loop within each hour, every hour. The next loop starts exactly on the hour. If you fail to finish within the hour or don't make the start line for the next loop, you're out. The race continues until only one runner remains—the 'last one standing' who completes one more loop than everyone else.
What facilities are available on the property?
Free camping is available for participants. You'll receive a cattle tag to hang at race HQ between loops. The property includes the historic 110-year-old IONA homestead. As it's a working cattle property, expect basic but authentic rural facilities. Bring your own camping gear and supplies.
What should I bring for the race?
Essential items include: trail running shoes suitable for varied terrain, head torch with spare batteries for night loops, nutrition and hydration supplies for your pit crew area, camping gear if staying overnight, layered clothing for temperature changes, and personal aid station supplies. The course runs alongside cattle, so be prepared for genuine farm conditions.
Can I have crew support?
Yes, crew support is typical for Backyard Ultras. You'll have time between completing your loop and the next hourly start to refuel, change gear, and receive support from your crew. Set up a personal aid station area where your crew can assist you between loops.
What's the course terrain like?
The 6.7km loop traverses working cattle property terrain including stockyards, open grasslands, creek gullies, and bushland with gumtrees. You'll navigate timbered ridges descending into creek flats. The course runs through areas where cattle graze freely, providing an authentic outback ultra experience unlike any standard trail race.
Last updated: 27 December 2025
