RUNNERS GUIDE

On Saturday April 12th, 2025, 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

Day Before - Friday: 11th April

• 3:00 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. The cost is $25 per person and must be paid before.

Race Day - Saturday: 12th 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 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Friday.

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.

You can arrive between 3:00 PM and 8:00 PM on Friday to set up your gazebo. Prime spots will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

If you need any last-minute supplies, there is a Coles supermarket just a 5-minute drive away.

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.

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.

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 table, we encourage you to bring your own gazebo.

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

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 Bib: This will need to be with you at all times. You can collect this the day before and on race day. You will be disqualified if you do not wear this during a lap.

• 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, 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. No pegs longer then 30 cm allow

• 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.

If you intend to use the communal area, you will need to bring your own chair.

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.

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

• Environment: Littering is prohibited. Let's keep the venue clean.

• 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.

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

• 1 Yard | 6.706km

• 3 Yards | 20.1km

• 6 Yards | 40.2km

• 15 Yards | 100.5km

• 24 Yards | 160.9km

• 48 Yards | 321.8km

• 56 Yards | 368.8km - You will break the SBU record.

• 72 Yards | 482.8km

• 96 Yards | 643.8km

• 111 Yards | 744.4km - You will be the new world record holder.

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 strongly encourage all runners to keep an eye out for one another throughout the race. In the spirit of camaraderie and mutual support that defines the trail running community, we ask that you stay vigilant and assist fellow runners in need.

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. 

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 guide that you can use as a guide to help fuel your 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.

There will be a water stop placed on the course during the hotter hours of the day. A communal aid station will be available near the starting corral, offering, water, Näak Ultra Energy™ drink mix and various foods throughout the day.

Nearby the toilets we will have a hot water station set up with instant coffee.

We strongly recommend not relying solely on the aid station for food, as we cannot accommodate everyone's specific dietary needs.

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. It is a council requirement that all people camping must fill out a form and pay a fee.

The fee is $25 per person camping and must be paid before the event.

On race week we will send out a payment link + form to fill out if you would like to camp. There is no limit on how many people can camp the night before.

There will be security on-site at the venue on Friday night to ensure a safe environment for all campers and participants.

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:

• 1.3km

• 2km

• 5.3km

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.

We are introducing a 180 Cadence cafe & merch stand next to the corral on Saturday.

On Sunday 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)

A food vendor will be on-site to serve food during the first day and night of the event. Make sure to grab a bite and refuel while you're between yards!

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

In 2025 the road around the Jim Watson Main Arena is part of the backyard ultra course. On Monday morning this road will need to reopen and the course will 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’re excited to welcome back Vandalise Media, who will be capturing the excitement, effort, and triumphant moments of Sydney’s Backyard Ultra.

Our goal is to provide you with lasting memories of your incredible achievement, so all photos taken during the event will be made available to you for free after the race.

After the race, we’ll share details on how you can access and download your photos.

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.