Backyard Everest

Sunday, 12 September 2027

Black Hill Conservation Park, Athelstone, South Australia, SA

Ultra

Ultra Series Australia

← 2026 edition & results

About This Event

Backyard Everest is a world‑first ultra running challenge at Black Hill Conservation Park, Athelstone. Run a 5.3 km loop each hour, building 369 m of elevation per lap, and chase seven iconic summits over up to 24 hours. Perfect for seasoned ultra enthusiasts seeking a bold, scenic adventure.

Events & entry fees

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Sunday 12 September

12 Hours

10am

$209
24 Hours

10am

$309
3 Hours

10am

$89
6 Hours

10am

$149

Entry fees as listed on 27 Oct 2026. Prices often rise after early bird, so check the entry page for today's price.

Quick Facts

Date: Sunday, 12 September 2027
Terrain: Trail
Location: Black Hill Conservation Park, Athelstone, South Australia
Entry Fee: $79 – $399 (see fee schedule for 3‑, 6‑, 12‑ and 24‑hour categories)
Difficulty: Challenging
Start Time: 10:00 am (ACST)
Good for Beginners: No – the repeated 5.3 km loops with 369 m of elevation each hour and the optional 24‑hour endurance make this event demanding for beginners.

Event Details

Date Sunday, 12 September 2027

Location Black Hill Conservation Park, Athelstone, South Australia

State SA

Organizer Ultra Series Australia

Course Description

The race takes place on a 5.3 km loop inside Black Hill Conservation Park, winding through native bushland and offering a steady climb of 369 m each lap. Every hour a new lap begins at 10:00 am, and runners can choose to compete for 3, 6, 12 or the full 24 hour challenge. Completing all 24 laps totals 129.36 km and 8,856 m of vertical gain – enough to ‘summit’ Mount Everest. Base Camp, positioned near the start line, provides water, electrolytes, fruit and a mandatory headlamp for night running. The terrain is a mix of well‑maintained trails and gentle fire‑track sections, delivering both scenic beauty and a demanding elevation profile.

Getting There

The event is held at Black Hill Conservation Park in the suburb of Athelstone, Adelaide. Parking and public transport details are not listed on the race page, so please check the official Backyard Everest website for the latest information on parking facilities and any recommended bus or train routes. Arrive early to allow time for registration and to set up at Base Camp.

Weather & What to Pack

September is spring in South Australia. Adelaide’s average temperatures range from a cool 10 °C at night to a mild 19 °C during the day, with about 50 mm of rain spread over eight days. Expect sunny intervals mixed with occasional showers. Dress in layers – a breathable base, a light jacket or fleece for cooler periods, and a hat or sunglasses for sun. Bring a headlamp for night laps and stay hydrated with water and electrolytes provided at Base Camp.

Race details last updated 23 Oct 2026

Ready to run Backyard Everest?

Official Website

Frequently Asked Questions

When does registration open and close?

Entries open on Wednesday 15 October 2026 at 6:00 pm (ACST) and close on Wednesday 8 September 2026 at 11:59 pm (ACST). The event is limited to 300 participants, so register early.

What are the entry fees for the different categories?

Entry fees are tiered by category and release period: 24‑hour – $299 (early and second release), $349 (final); 12‑hour – $199 (early/second), $219 (final); 6‑hour – $129 (early/second), $139 (final); 3‑hour – $79 (early), $89 (final). All fees are subject to booking and credit‑card charges.

Is any gear mandatory for participants?

Runners are not required to carry mandatory equipment on the loop, but a headlamp is compulsory for night running. Depending on weather, a hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, water, thermals and a rain jacket are recommended. Base Camp supplies water, electrolytes, fruit and snacks.

Can I bring a pacer or have a support crew?

Pacers are NOT permitted at any stage of Backyard Everest. You may set up a personal table with supplies in the designated area at Base Camp, but no external pacing assistance is allowed.

What is the format and how do chip tokens work?

All laps start on the hour. For 3‑, 6‑, and 12‑hour entries you receive a matching number of chip tokens; each token is handed to the Gatekeeper to start a lap. The 24‑hour category commits you to every lap and does not use tokens. You must finish each 5.3 km loop within the hour for it to count. Breaks are allowed between laps as long as you have tokens remaining.