Race Info

The Second Edition

February 4, 2023. 10am start. Registration from 8am.

(Get your entry in by January 19th to get your name on your race bib).

The Rules

• Runners must finish the lap within 1 hour
• The next lap starts on the hour every hour after that (signalled by the bell)
• Participants must be in the starting corral (pig pen) at the bell. NO late starts!
• Warning will be given 3, 2, and 1 minutes prior to the starting bell
• Runners may not leave the course until each loop is completed (once the bell goes you must complete the loop before any support is given/taken
• No support to be given/taken from anyone during the loop – no gear, food, or liquids. The only support allowed is a quick verbal encouragement as you pass by
• No pacing
• No artificial aids (including poles). Music is OK but please be aware of other runners
• Slower runners please allow faster runners to pass
• No more than 3 runners on the swing bridge at any time
• The winner is the last person to complete a loop when all others have given up. All others are technically DNS (did not start) or DNF (did not finish)
• If no runner can complete one more lap than everyone else, there is no winner
• Please report to the timing area when you decide you can no longer go on
• This is a self-supported event. You will need to provide your own food and water. BBQ and coffee will be available at times during the day.
• No littering
• No open fires in camping area (camp stoves are allowed)
• Obey any instructions given to you by race officials
• Be respectful and look after one another
• Be respectful of other track users
• No hunting

The Pig Route

The campsite is located in a paddock at Whare Flat. From the pig pen in the paddock it’s a 6.7 km route with about 130m of vert through some lovely native bush and including a historic water race.

Mostly the trail is very runnable. There are a few stream crossings so you will get wet feet and near the end there is a swing bridge.

Here’s a Strava link of the Pig Route

The Campsite

We have a nice grassy area at Whare Flat with enough space for all Backyard Ultra participants to set up 1 tent for you and your support person. Please consider sharing tents if you can.

You will need your own water, food and camping equipment. There is a creek nearby but considering runners are going through it upstream every hour you may not want to drink that.

Powder Creek is crossed at around 4.5k into the loop and is drinkable.

This is a self-supported event with no aid stations provided.

There is no power so bring your own resources for lighting and charging up your gadgets.

We will provide toilets (portaloos).