On Saturday, April 18th, 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.

Day Before - Friday: 17th April

• 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM: Runners may arrive, set up their gazebos, and collect their bibs.

• Camping: Runners may camp on-site at the showground, choosing to stay in their car, camper, tent, swag, or gazebo setup. We recommend people camping park in the carpark.

Race Day - Saturday: 18th April

• 6:00 AM: Runners may arrive and set up their gazebo.

• 6:00 AM: Bib collection opens.

• 6:00 AM: Runners using the communal area can arrive and set up.

• 7:45 AM: Race briefing.

• 7:57 AM: 3-minute warning for the first yard.

• 7:58 AM: 2-minute warning for the first yard.

• 7:59 AM: 1-minute warning for the first yard.

• 8:00 AM: The first yard begins.

Day Before: Bib collection will be available from 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM at St Ives Showground on Friday the 17th of April. You will be able to collect your bib from the race hub.

Race Day: You can collect your bib between 6:00 AM and 7:45 AM

Bib Numbers will be emailed to you the week of the race.

Bib Numbers will be emailed to you on race week.

They can also be found:

• On your Njuko Dashboard

• On the live results (number next to your name). Live results link to come on race week.

You can arrive between 12:00 PM and 7:00 PM on Friday (April 17th) to set up your gazebo. Prime spots will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

Gazebo Set Up Rules:

• Your gazebo cannot be placed anywhere, we will have marshals ensuring every gazebo is placed in an orderly fashion. Please find a gazebo marshal before placing your gazebo. 

• All of your gazebo legs must be weighed down OR pegged down. Pegs cannot exceed 25cm. We recommend these ones from Amazon. 

• Do not use strings to tie down your gazebos as this is a trip hazard. 

• If your gazebo is not weighed down, it will be taken down.

If you plan to set up your gazebo on race day, you may arrive from 6:00 AM. Like the day before, spots are first-come, first-served, so arrive early to secure your preferred location.

Gazebo Set Up Rules:

• Your gazebo cannot be placed anywhere, we will have marshals ensuring every gazebo is placed in an orderly fashion. Please find a gazebo marshal before placing your gazebo. 

• All of your gazebo legs must be weighed down OR pegged down. Pegs cannot exceed 25cm. We recommend these ones from Amazon. 

• Do not use strings to tie down your gazebos as this is a trip hazard. 

• If your gazebo is not weighed down, it will be taken down.

Approximately 20 communal gazebos (3m x 3m) will be available for shared use from 6:00 AM on race day. Spots are first-come, first-served. Runners in the communal area should only bring a chair & a small esky.

Please note, you will not be able to leave your items overnight on Friday which is why you need to set up on Saturday.

We ask that if you have a support crew, they avoid taking up space needed for runners. If you require more than a chair and small esky, we ask you to bring your own gazebo.

Please bring your own chair, as we will not be supplying chairs for runners in the communal area.

In 2026 we are introducing a new day course and for the first time ever - a night course from yard 31.

New Course: The new main course is a mixture of dirt, grass, road and fire trail with little elevation per yard. The course has been designed to flow nicely with a larger field.

Night Course: The brand new night course will be implemented from 31 yards + (more details below). The night course is a flat two lap route that will allow for very quick night loops.

Course Marking: 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:

• Day Course

• Night Course

Each yard is precisely 6.706 kilometres.

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:

1. Loop or out and back

2. Must be 4 miles 880 feet in length

3. Metric equivalent 6.7056 kilometers

Starting Corral:

1. Measured to fit entire starting field

2. Corral stays the same size throughout the event

3. Participants must be inside the corral at the start of the yard

Starts:

1. Each Yard starts precisely one hour after the last

2. Warning must be given 3, 2, and 1 minute before the start of the yard

3. All competitors must start at the bell (No late starts)

Yards:

1. Except for restroom breaks a competitor cannot leave the course until the Yard is complete

2. No non-competitors on the course (including eliminated runners)

3. No personal aid during a Yard

4. Each Yard must be completed in less than an hour to be counted

5. No artificial aids (including trekking poles)

6. Slower runners must yield/allow passes

Timing:

1. Keeping lap times is optional

Winner/Results:

1. The winner is the last person to complete a Yard

2. All others are technically DNF

3. Results of each participant in terms of Yards completed are to be given

4. If no participant can complete one more yard than anyone else there is no winner

Cap:

1. Race must be open ended

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

• Race Bib: It is important that you wear your race bib for every yard. However, we do not want to disqualify any runners for not wearing it during a yard. If you forget your race bib, do not turnaround and collect it (or grab it from your crew) otherwise you will be disqualified. Instead please let the race directors know when you finish your yard so they can manually record your time.

• 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. 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, meaning we run 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. No pegs longer then 25 cm 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.

It is totally up to you if you want to use the communal area or you want to set up your own 3x3 gazebo.

Reminder of what the communal area is:

Approximately 20 communal gazebos (3m x 3m) will be placed together for shared use from 6:00 AM on race day.

Spots inside the communal area are on a first-come, first-served. Runners in the communal area should only bring a chair & a small esky.

Please note, you will not be able to leave your items overnight on Friday which is why you need to set up on Saturday.

We ask that if you have a support crew, they avoid taking up space needed for runners. If you require more than a chair and small esky, we ask you to bring your own gazebo.

Please bring your own chair and esky, as we will not be supplying chairs or esky’s for runners in the communal area.

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.

• 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.

• Rubbish: Please ensure take your rubbish with you.

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

• Children: They are welcome but are allowed only at a runner’s personal aid station, and 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.

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

Yes, you can listen to music during yards.

Safety is a top priority for us at the Sydney’s Backyard Ultra. We ask that you stay vigilant and keep an eye out for one another throughout the race

Should you encounter any issues or emergencies during the event, please call the race directors number found on the back of your bib.

For your safety and wellbeing, we have medical staff stationed at the race hub for the entire race.

You can find a detailed watch set up here.

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

You can find it here.

Please note that no power will be provided to runners. You are welcome to bring your own battery-powered generators or power banks for personal use. However, fuel generators are strictly prohibited.

A communal aid station will be available at the top of the grandstand offering hot water, microwave access and various foods throughout the day.

A large bubbler can be found near to the grandstand.

If the weather is hot, a water stop may be placed on the course.

We strongly recommend not relying solely on the aid station for food or water, as we cannot accommodate everyone's specific dietary needs. We recommend that you bring lots of food to the event so you are well stocked to run long.

Hot showers will be available in the grandstand area (75 metres from the stating corral) for runners to use before, during, and after the race.

If you would like you can camp the night before at St Ives Showground. There is no limit on how many people can camp the night before. You can camp overnight at your gazebo. If you have a camper trailer (or something of that nature) we recommend you leave it parked in the parking area.

The mandatory race briefing will begin at 7:45 AM. Please ensure you’re present, as important race details will be covered

There are toilets 100 metres away from the starting corral.

There are also toilets available at the following points along the course:

Main Course:

• 1.3km

• 1.6km

• 2.2km

• 4.4km

• 4.9km

• 5.3km

Night Course:

• 1.3km

• 1.6km

• 1.9km

• 3.3km

• 4.6km

• 4.9km

• 5.4km

We encourage spectators to come and cheer on the runners! There’s plenty to do at St Ives Showground to keep everyone entertained, including playgrounds, dog parks, Saturday markets, picnic areas, the tree-tops ropes course, remote control car track, and the cafe. It’s a great day out for friends and family while they support the runners.

There will be a cafe next to the grandstand on Saturday & Sunday morning

On Monday there is another cafe just a 5-minute walk from the event area, where you can purchase coffee.

Runners will have access to instant coffee and tea available at the hot water station (next to the main arena grandstand)

Multiple food vendors will be on-site to serve food during the first day and night of the event.

No cars, RVs or caravans will be able to park in the starting corral / gazebo area. The closet you will be able to park is in the carpark area ~150 metres away from the starting corral.

Given how far away the carpark area is from the starting corral this would not be optimal for performance. It is our recommendation you bring your own gazebo or use the communal area.

A head torch is mandatory for all runners during the night yards. You will be notified before the start of the night yards when the head torch becomes compulsory. While this will likely be from 5:00 PM to 6:00 AM, it may vary slightly depending on the exact times of sunset and sunrise. Please ensure your head torch is fully charged and ready for use during the night hours.

In the event of extreme heat on race day, and if a Total Fire Ban is introduced, the course may need to be slightly adjusted. Rest assured, the course will remain well-marked and will still be exactly the same distance. All you need to focus on is completing just one more yard and we'll take care of the rest

Parking can be found at the front of the show ground 150 metres away from the starting corral.

Please follow all of the parking marshals directions on race day morning.

We will have various photos capturing Sydney’s Backyard Ultra. All photos taken during the event will be made available to you for free after the race.

Photos will not be released until after the event ends, we’ll share details on how you can access and download your photos via email.

The link to live results will be posted on Race Day, allowing everyone to track the runners' progress in real time.

There are timing mats on course.

A link to the live stream will be posted on Race Day, so everyone can follow along with the action, whether they’re at the Showground or watching from home.

You will be able to collect your shirt before the race starts at the race hub.