Which Backyard Ultra is right for me?
The information on each event within this website is basic, but includes those criteria I believe are most important to help the runner choose his or her event.
Date and Location
Backyard events can be expensive to enter, choosing an event closer to home will cut down or even eliminate travel and accommodation expenses, and there is also an increased likelihood you’ll recognise a runner from a local club or parkrun, all this adds to the community spirit that makes the Backyard Ultra what it is. Also, as runners our carbon footprint is huge, another good reason to choose local.
Start Day and Time
Some events start on a Friday evening. This may suit you if you like the additional challenge of running at night, perhaps also in winter. However, if you are unlikely to complete more than say 8 Yards (30 miles), then you could be DNF’d before dawn. If you enjoy scenery while you run and want to see further than the beam of your headtorch then a daytime start may be a better option. Then again, there is something very special about running at night.
Running Surface, Elevation Gain and Public Access
My personal view is that a backyard Ultra should be run on trails, with some ascent, in beautiful countryside, on the same course throughout the event and a loop rather than an out-and-back. It is of course a personal choice.
There may be a temptation to choose a very flat course on nice smooth surfaces, but it could be quite dull and even more of a mental challenge. Check the course details on the event website.
Some courses are on land open to the public, it’s something to think about, but provided the organiser has taken this into consideration when route planning, it probably isn’t a significant factor.
Every Backyard event is different, it is impossible to compare performances from one event to another. Even with the same event, the environmental differences from one year to the next may vary so much as to make comparisons impossible. Choose an event that you are most likely to enjoy.
Base Camp and Support Crew
Part of the fun of the event is the interaction with other runners, but more importantly with your support crew. You may not need support on the day if you are running less than say 10 Yards, but at a certain point support can be invaluable. Is there space to set up a gazebo? Can you bring your partner and family/friends along for the experience? Can you bring your dog, albeit on a lead. Can you set up a tent nearby for sleep and privacy after you have finished running. Is camping included in the entry fee?
If you have never competed in a Backyard Ultra, don’t underestimate the enjoyment your support crew will get from the event. My wife absolutely loves supporting me and the other runners, it is very much a team effort and a holiday weekend.
Entry Fee
There is no doubt that putting on an event like this is a logistical challenge. Costs for land access/permits, portable toilets, first responders and so on, can mount up. Entry fees in the UK vary between £50 and £145. Check the event website carefully, some events are all inclusive, while others charge extra for parking and camping.
Some events are organised such that all proceeds go to charity (see Devon & Cornwall, Golspie and Kinloss), some are community run, while most are commercial enterprises.
In New Zealand where I have spent some time, there are events that are community organised and very cheap to enter; £20 or even free in one case, relying on local sponsors, volunteers and donations from entrants. This is nice because not all runners can afford a high entry fee, and there is a real community feel, often with a shorter course for children.
In the UK meanwhile, if cashflow is a genuine issue for you it may be worth contacting the organiser to see if there is a discounted rate available. Some events have a lower entry fee for a fixed number of yards, (eg. sign up for 6 yards and get £40 off the entry fee). Many organisers are well aware that a high entry fee can be a barrier.
Number of Runners
Typically the number of entrants for a Backyard Ultra in the UK is somewhere between 50 and 200, more usually 100. A lower number of entrants can make for a more social event, though compared to a big-city marathon, even 200 is pretty small.
UK Backyard Ultra 