On September 19th, 2026, Sydney's Backyard Ultra will return at the scenic St. Ives Showground, Australia.

Sydney’s Backyard Ultra will command runners tackle a 6.706km loop every hour, on the hour, in an epic showdown until only one remains.

The first yard will start at 8:00am

Sydney’s Backyard Ultra is proudly brought to you by 180 Cadence, who puts on world-class events. The following is included in your race entry.

Price:

• General: $275.75

• Final: $299.75

Race Capacity: 750 Runners

The entire course will be marked the day before and you will not need to follow your watch or look at a map during the race. However for those interested, you can find a course link here.

In April we’re staying at the main arena and we can’t wait to make the party even bigger!

Another highlight is the course's visibility, enabling supporters to spot runners with ample warning before they re-enter the starting corral.

Each yard is precisely 6.71km with 34 metres of elevation gain

A Backyard Ultra is a unique and gruelling endurance race format where participants run a 4.167-mile (6.71 km) loop every hour, on the hour.

The race continues until only one runner remains who can complete a loop within the hour. If a runner fails to start a loop or doesn't finish it within the hour, they are out. This format pushes runners not just in terms of distance, but also mental tenacity, as the race has no defined end and can continue for days.

The winner is the last person standing.

Course: The race can be set on a loop or out and back format. The course must measure 4 miles 880 feet in length, which is the metric equivalent of 6.7056 kilometers.

Starting Corral: The corral must be measured to fit the entire starting field and its size remains consistent throughout the event. Participants are required to be in the starting corral when the bell rings.

Start: Loops commence exactly 1 hour after the last, with warnings provided 3, 2, and 1 minutes before each start. All competitors must begin at the bell without exception.

Timing: While timing of the loops is optional, it is crucial to ensure each loop's completion within the hour.

Winner/Results: The last person to successfully finish a loop is declared the winner, with all other participants marked as DNF (Did Not Finish).

The total distance covered by each runner should be recorded. If no participant can finish one more loop than their competitors, the race will have no winner.

Cap: The race is designed to be open-ended, without a predefined finish time or distance.

Every participant must ensure they have the following essential items for the duration of the race:

• Allocated Race Number: This will be your unique identifier during the event.

• Head Torch: Make sure it's equipped with enough batteries to last for your anticipated race duration. Running at night without a head torch is strictly prohibited, and you won't be allowed to continue.

• Mobile Phone: Ensure you have a charged mobile phone with the race director's contact numbers saved. This is crucial for communication and emergencies. You do not need to run with a phone but you must have one.

• Cup or Flask: Sydney’s Backyard Ultra is committed to sustainability, making it a cupless event. Please bring your own reusable cup or flask for any beverages during the race.

Please be responsible and ensure you're equipped with all the above items. Not adhering to the gear requirements may result in disqualification.

To ensure a comfortable and sustained race experience, especially given the unpredictable weather and the physical demands of the event, we suggest runners consider packing the following items:

• Shelter and Chair: A gazebo, tent, or swag, firmly tethered, paired with a comfortable chair. You might also want a waterproof groundsheet or tarp to keep your space dry.

• Note: Your gazebo must not be bigger than 3 metres x 3 metres.

Your gazebo must also be weighed down with either pegs or weights. No string-lines are allowed.

• Weather Protection: A waterproof rain jacket, hat, buff, sunscreen, and sunglasses. For the cooler hours or rest periods, bring items like an oodie, hoodie, blanket, sleeping bag, jacket, beanie, and gloves - essentially, warm gear that's easy to slip on and off.

• Lighting: With no power at the personal aid stations, consider battery-powered lighting solutions for your gazebo or tent.

• Recovery: Muscle creams, massage guns, rollers, yoga mats, or any other equipment to assist with recovery between loops.

• Nutrition and Hydration: A table for your food and drinks, an esky filled with ice, a backup head torch, and a secondary cup. Don't forget a reusable bowl and spoon, and ensure you pack a variety of easily digestible foods.

• Clothing: Spare clothes are essential, including an extra pair of shoes. Towels, additional socks, and other clothing items will help keep you fresh and comfortable. A backup head torch is also recommended.

• First Aid and Personal Care: Pack a personal first-aid kit, which might include an emergency blanket, blister kit, sunscreen, lip balm, and lube.

Being well-prepared can make a significant difference in your race experience. While these items aren't mandatory, they'll likely enhance your comfort and performance throughout the event.

The backyard race format is a unique experience, made even more enjoyable when shared with a support crew. We strongly encourage runners to have a support crew. However, remember that the actions of your crew directly impact your standing in the race. If they breach any rules, it could result in your disqualification. Here are some support crew rules & times:

• Crew Supplies: We suggest that all support crew bring enough essentials to stay energised and entertained.

• Race Manual: All support crew members must go through the ‘Sydney's Backyard Ultra Race Manual’ before the race day. This comes out the week of the race.

• Assistance Rules: Crews can only help a runner after they complete a yard. This strictly means no aid or exchanges while the runner is on a yard.

• Course Etiquette: Support crews must never obstruct a runner's path or access to aid stations and must always follow instructions from race officials and volunteers.

• Aid Station Policy: The official aid station caters only to runners, not crew.

• Rubbish: Please take your rubbish with you. Littering is prohibited.

• Facilities: Both runners and their crews have access to the toilets during the event.

• Children: They are welcome but are allowed but always under an adult's direct supervision. Sydney's Backyard Staff & Volunteers will not be looking after your kids.

• Pacers: Pacer runners are not permitted at any stage of the race.

• 1 Yard | 6.706km

• 3 Yards | 20.1km

• 7 Yards | 46.9km
Ultra Marathon Complete

• 15 Yards | 100.5km
You have run 100 kms

• 24 Yards | 100 Miles
You have run 100 Miles in 24 Hours

• 48 Yards | 200 Miles

• 72 Yards | 300 Miles

• 82 Yards | 550km
You will be the new SBU record holder.

• 87 Yards | 583km
Female Backyard Ultra Record

• 96 Yards | 400 Miles

• 119 Yards | 798.5km
You will equal the backyard ultra world record holder.

• 120 Yards | 805.2km
You will be the new world record holder.

Yes, you can listen to music during yards.

When preparing for Sydney’s Backyard Ultra, one of the most important tools you’ll have on race day is your watch. How you set it up and use it during the event can make a huge difference in tracking your performance and pacing yourself correctly.

You can find a guide here on how to set up your watch: https://sydneysbackyardultra.au/watch-set-up

In order to help you fuel correctly during Sydney’s Backyard Ultra, we’ve created a guide that you can use to help fuel your ultra!

You can find the guide here: https://sydneysbackyardultra.au/fueling-plan

You can see what it’s like to run in a Backyard Ultra here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=94OlNyl5wjA