BIG’s Backyard Ultra 2026
Second Edition | Bronze Label Race | 13 November 2026 onwards
Venue: FC Madras Football Academy, Chengalpattu, Chennai
Chennai Runners brings back BIG’s Backyard Ultra for its second edition, now a Bronze Label race, at a new home — FC Madras. Last year’s edition went past the 24-hour mark, and this one starts on 13 November and runs until only one runner is left standing. One loop. One hour. Repeat.
The Concept
The concept of the race is simple. It is a “Last One Standing” race, with just one winner — every other runner is a DNF.
The format is the brainchild of Gary “Lazarus Lake” Cantrell, race director of the Barkley Marathons. A Backyard Ultra is a form of ultramarathon in which runners cover 6.706 km (4.1667 miles) in under one hour.
This is repeated every hour, loop after loop, until one runner remains. Whatever time is left in the hour after a loop is completed becomes rest and recovery time before the next one begins.
Race schedule – Broad outline
Saturday, 7 November 2026
- Race briefing — online (timing to be confirmed closer to the date)
Friday, 13 November 2026
- BIB distribution from 2 pm onwards
- Backyard Ultra flags off at 4 pm
Saturday, 14 November 2026
- Backyard 8 flags off at 4 am
Sunday, 15 November 2026 onwards
- Backyard Ultra continues — the race runs until the last one standing, however long that takes
Categories:
BACKYARD 8
- You will finish 8 loops
- Flag off: 4 am, Saturday 14 November 2026
- Entry criteria: Half marathon under 2 hours 45 minutes since January 2025
BACKYARD ULTRA
- The signature backyard ultra. You run till the last one standing
- Flag off: 4 pm, Friday 13 November 2026
- Entry criteria: Ultramarathon, or full marathon under 6 hours, since January 2025
Race Format
Before the start of each loop, the race director will go through the following protocol:
- 3 minutes before the start — whistle blown three times
- 2 minutes before the start — whistle blown twice
- 1 minute before the start — whistle blown once
- 30 seconds — announced
- 10 seconds — counted down
- START — cowbell rung
This happens every hour, from the start, until only one runner is left.
- Runners have 60 minutes to finish a loop once it has started. A runner who finishes within the hour may start the next loop, provided they are in the start corral when the next hour begins. A runner who does not finish the loop within the hour is a DNF.
- Once a runner finishes the loop within the hour, they may use the restroom, eat, drink, sleep and so on — but they must be back in the start corral before the bell rings, failing which they are a DNF. Runners must leave the corral with everyone else. A runner who decides not to continue is a DNF.
- On the course, runners may not receive aid in any form, from their crew or anyone else, except from fellow active runners on the course.
- This is a no-spectator event. No one other than the runners and their crew is allowed inside the venue during the event.
FAQ’s
- How many crew members are allowed?
Each runner can have up to 4 crew members, but only 2 may be at the venue at any given time. They can be rotated every 6 hours.
- Will there be space for camping?
Camping space will be provided to each runner at the start/finish area. This space is for runners to pitch their tents, store their supplies, and rest along with their crew. The camps will have chairs for runners.
- Will food be provided for runners and crew members?
Backyard 8: 2 meals (breakfast and lunch). Backyard Ultra: 3 meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) during the daytime. Through the night, light food such as boiled eggs, boiled potatoes and chips will be provided. Anything beyond this will have to be arranged by the runners and their crew.
Food will not be provided for crew members, though some eatables will be available for purchase at the venue.
- What will be available at the aid station?
There will be one aid station, at the start/finish area, stocked with water, electrolytes, salt, lemon, chikki and fruit. Please note there are no aid stations along the route.
- Will there be restrooms near the camping area?
Toilets and washrooms will be accessible to runners and crew throughout the race, and will be cleaned at regular intervals.
- What is included in the registration?
Race BIB, race t-shirt, e-certificate, meal and hydration support, medical support, and a DNF certificate for non-finishers.
Registration
Registration fees :
Backyard 8: ₹3,500 + GST
Backyard Ultra: ₹4,500 + GST
Venue: FC Madras Football Academy, Chengalpattu, Chennai
Contact: crbackyardultra@gmail.com
Instagram: @cr_bigs_backyard_ultra