The concept of the race is simple. It’s a “Last One Standing” Race, with just one winner, all other runners are DNFs.
The concept is the brainchild of Gary “Lazarus Lake” Cantrell, the race director of The Barkley Marathons. Backyard Ultra is a form of Ultramarathon in which runners run a distance of 6.706 kms (4.1667 miles) in less than one hour.
This is done every hour, loop after loop, until there is only one runner remaining. When one loop is completed, the remaining time within the hour is used for rest and recovery for the next hour’s race.
Race schedule – Broad outline
Soft copy booklet to be prepared
Friday, Oct 3, 2025
- Race briefing and BIB distribution
- Timing – 12 pm -6 pm (To be confirmed closer to date )
Saturday Oct 4, 2025
- Race Day
Categories:
BACKYARD 8 :
- You’ll finish 8 loops.
- Flag off time : 5 am (To be confirmed closer to date )
- Entry Criteria : HM under 2 hours 45 mins since January 2024
BACKYARD Ultra :
- Signature backyard ultra. You’ll run till the last man standing
- Flag off time : 4 pm (To be confirmed closer to date )
- Entry Criteria : Ultra marathon/ FM under 6 hours since January 2024
Race Format
1. Before the start of each loop, the race director will go through the following
protocol
– 3 minutes before the start (whistle will be blown 3 times)
– 2 minutes before the start (whistle will be blown 2 times)
– 1 minute before the start (whistle will be blown once)
– 30 seconds will be announced before the start
– 10 seconds will be counted down before the start
– START (cowbell will be rung)
This will happen every hour, from the start, till there is only 1 runner left.
2. Runners have 60 minutes to finish the loop once it has started. If the runner
finishes the loop within the hour, he/she has the opportunity to Start the next
loop, provided he/she is in the start Corral when the next hour starts. If a runner
does not finish the loop within the hour, he/she is considered a DNF.
3. Once the runner finishes the loop with the hour, he/she can use the restroom,
eat, drink, sleep, etc. but he/she must be back in the start Corral before the bell
rings or else he/she will be considered a DNF. The runner must leave the Corral
with everyone else. In case the runner decides not to continue, he/she will be
considered a DNF.
4. On the course, the runners cannot receive aid, in any form, either from their crew
or from anyone else except the fellow active runners who are on the course.
5. The race is a no spectator event. This means no one other than the runners and
their crew are allowed inside the venue during the course of the event.
FAQ’s
1. How many crew members are allowed ?
Ans : Each runner can have upto 4 crew members but only 2 can be at the
venue at any given point of time. They can be rotated every 6 hours.
2. Will there be space for camping ?
Ans : Camping space will be provided to each runner at the start/finish
area. This space is for the runners to pitch their tents to stores their
supplies and for them and their crew to rest. The camps will have chairs
for runners.
3. Will you provide food for the runners and crew members ?
Ans :
Backyard 8 ; 2 meals ( Breakfast & Lunch )
Backyard Ultra 3 meals ( breakfast, lunch and dinner ) will be provided to
the runners during the day time. During the night time some light meal like
boiled eggs, boiled potatoes, chips will be given. Any other meal over and
above this will have to be cooked by the runners and their crew.
There will not be any food provided for the crew members. However there
will be some eatables available on purchase at the venue.
4. What will be available at the aid station ?
Ans : There will be one aid station at the start/finish area. It will have
water, electrolytes,salt,lemon,chikki,fruit. Please note there will not be any
aid stations along the route.
5. Will there be restrooms near the camping area ?
Ans :Toilets / washrooms will be accessible to the runners and crew
throughout the race and they will be cleaned at regular intervals.
6. What is included in registration ?
Ans : Race BIB, Race t-shirt, E-certificate, Meal & Hydration support,
Medical support, DNF certificate for non-finishers.