Sydney's Backyard Ultra
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Race Schedule & Entry Fees
| Distance | Date | Start Time | Entry Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Backyard Ultra | Sat, 18 Apr | 08:00 | $275 |
Event Details
About This Event
Backyard Ultra where competitors run 6.71km every hour on the hour in epic showdown until only one remains. Course is 98% fire trail and grass with some tarmac from main oval. Top male and female runners win each. Cupless event - bring reusable cup or flask. Strongly encouraged to have support crew.
Course Description
Sydney's Backyard Ultra features a challenging 6.71km loop that must be completed every hour on the hour until only one runner remains. The course at St Ives Showground is predominantly off-road, with 98% consisting of fire trails and grass, plus a small tarmac section around the main oval. Runners face a demanding 8:56/km maximum pace requirement, with the clock resetting each hour. The scenic bushland setting provides a quintessentially Australian backdrop for this ultimate test of endurance and mental fortitude. The relatively flat terrain makes each individual loop manageable, but the cumulative challenge grows exponentially with each successive yard completed.
Quick Facts
Getting There
St Ives Showground is located in Sydney's northern suburbs, accessible via Mona Vale Road. Ample parking is available at the showground. Public transport users can take buses from St Ives Village shopping centre, which is approximately 1.5km away. Given the 8:00 AM start and the need to set up your crew area, plan to arrive at least 45-60 minutes early to register, prepare your gear station, and familiarise yourself with the course.
Weather & What to Pack
Mid-April in Sydney typically offers excellent autumn running conditions, with average temperatures ranging from 14-23°C. Expect mild mornings that warm through midday, with lower humidity than summer months. As the race continues through the day and potentially into the night and following days, be prepared for temperature fluctuations. Pack layers for overnight running if you're aiming for extended distances. Sun protection is essential during daylight hours. The cupless event policy means bringing your own reusable cup or flask is mandatory for hydration station access.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is a Backyard Ultra and how does it work?
A Backyard Ultra is a unique endurance format where runners complete a 6.71km loop every hour on the hour. You must finish within the hour and be ready to start the next loop when the clock strikes. The race continues until only one person can complete another loop - that person is the winner. If you fail to complete a loop in time, don't start a loop, or choose to stop, you're eliminated. There's no set distance - it continues until all but one runner drops out.
Do I need a support crew?
While not mandatory, having a support crew is strongly encouraged by the organisers. Your crew can help with nutrition, gear changes, foot care, motivation, and pacing as the race progresses beyond 24 hours. They can set up a base area where you return each hour. Many successful backyard runners credit their crew as essential to their performance, especially during the difficult overnight and second-day periods.
What gear do I need to bring?
This is a cupless event, so you must bring a reusable cup or flask for aid stations - this is mandatory. Beyond that, prepare multiple pairs of shoes and socks, headtorches with spare batteries, warm and waterproof layers for night running, nutrition supplies, and any personal medical items. Set up a crew area with shade, seating, and all your gear organised for quick turnarounds between loops.
What happens if I need to use the bathroom during a loop?
Bathroom breaks must occur within your allocated hour. You need to complete the 6.71km loop and handle any personal needs before the next hour starts. Time management becomes crucial - faster loop completion gives you more rest and preparation time. Most runners aim to finish loops with 10-15 minutes to spare for recovery, nutrition, and logistics.
What's included in my entry fee?
Your $275 entry includes a premium technical event shirt, free professional race photos, a unique building finisher's medal (that adds sections the further you go), live streaming on YouTube so supporters worldwide can watch, live results tracking, and all the amenities of a world-class ultra event including aid stations and medical support throughout the race duration.
Last updated: 26 December 2025
