The Furnace Backyard Ultra
Official WebsiteAbout This Event
The Furnace Backyard Ultra in Dalby, Queensland pits ultra‑runners against a relentless 6.706 km flat loop every hour under scorching February heat. No finish line, no terrain excuses – the last runner standing wins. Perfect for seasoned endurance athletes seeking a true test of grit.
Events
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Saturday 20 February
-
6.706km7am
Quick Facts
- Date
- Saturday, 20 February 2027
- Terrain
- Trail
- Location
- Dalby, Queensland
- Entry Fee
- Check official website
- Difficulty
- Challenging
- Start Time
- 7:00 AM AEST
- Good for Beginners
- No – the relentless heat and endless loops demand experienced ultra‑endurance runners
Event Details
Course Description
The course is a single 6.706 km loop laid out on a flat, exposed paddock just outside Dalby. The surface is a mix of compacted dirt and grass, with less than 20 m of total elevation gain, so there are no hills to hide behind. Each loop must be completed within 60 minutes, after which the bell rings and the next hour‑long loop begins. The start time is 7:00 am, and runners return to the same corral after each lap. The relentless February heat, often reaching 38 °C, adds a mental and physical challenge, making the decision to keep looping the true test of endurance.
Getting There
Dalby is a small town about 210 km west of Brisbane on the Warrego Highway. The Furnace starts at the designated corral in Dalby, QLD. For parking, accommodation and public transport options, refer to the official event website. Arriving early on race day is recommended to allow time for registration, briefing and to set up your 3×3 m base camp.
Where to Stay
Places to stay near the start, priced for race weekend.
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Weather & What to Pack
February in Queensland is deep summer, with daytime highs typically between 30 °C and 38 °C and occasional peaks over 40 °C. Humidity is moderate and the sun is strong, so heat stress is a major factor. Runners should wear light, breathable clothing, a wide‑brim hat and sunscreen, and stay well‑hydrated with water and electrolytes. Night loops can drop to around 22 °C, so a light jacket may be useful.
Race details last updated 21 Sep 2026
Ready to run The Furnace Backyard Ultra?
Official WebsiteFrequently Asked Questions
How do I register for The Furnace Backyard Ultra?
Registration opens soon. You can join the waitlist on the event website (https://www.furnacebyu.com/) by entering your email to be notified when the registration portal becomes active. No entry fee details are published yet, so check the official site for the latest information.
When must I be at the corral on race day?
All participants must be in the corral by 6:55 am on Saturday 20 February 2027. The first loop starts at 7:00 am sharp, and the race proceeds with a new loop every hour on the hour.
What gear is mandatory for the race?
You must carry a head torch with sufficient battery for night loops, a fully charged mobile phone with the race director’s number saved, and reusable water containers for hydration on each loop. The head torch is required for any loops run after dark.
What is the race format and distance?
The Furnace is a Backyard Ultra: a 6.706 km flat loop that must be completed within 60 minutes. Loops start each hour on the hour, and the event continues until only one runner remains, who completes a final solo loop to win.
Is there a fee to enter the event?
Entry fee information has not been released yet. Please check the official website for the most up‑to‑date details on registration costs and any associated fees.
parkruns near this race
Free, timed 5km every Saturday morning. A good hit-out between races.
- Dalby parkrun Sat 7:00am · 0.7 km away · Dalby
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