Arrowtown Backyard Ultra
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Arrowtown Backyard Ultra 2026
The Arrowtown Backyard Ultra is a timed running event in Arrowtown, New Zealand, organised by Highland Events. Registrations show 177 entries and the event is marked as sold out with a waitlist available. Entry cost is $220 and entries are limited; a 3% credit card fee may apply, or entrants can arrange bank transfer for just the entry cost.
The event format requires competitors to complete a lap of 6.71 km on the hour, every hour, until only one runner completes a lap more than all others. Competitors who do not finish a lap within one hour or who are not in the starting corral for the next lap are recorded as DNF. There is a reduced-volume warning sound between 20:00 and 08:00 local time; support crews are responsible for ensuring their runner is ready.
The course uses the Arrow River Trail and starts/finishes at Butler Green (event village). The 6.71 km lap is predominantly hard-packed trail with a winding single-track section through bush, follows Bush Creek and the Arrow River, crosses Bush Creek twice, and uses two pedestrian bridges over the Arrow River. The course Strava elevation is listed as 48 m and includes a few small inclines.
The event village is self-supported: competitors provide their own gazebo (3 m x 3 m), chair, food and water. Support is only permitted within the event village between laps; receiving support during a lap is not allowed. A free Kids Trail Race runs on a 1 km loop for primary-aged children who may run one to three laps with a caregiver if desired.
Race rules prohibit pacing, artificial aids such as trekking poles, and receiving on-course support from eliminated runners or supporters. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
