M*A*S*H Backyard Ultra
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MAS*H Backyard Ultra : Queen Elizabeth Park, Kapiti Coast
MAS*H Backyard Ultra is an endurance running event held at Queen Elizabeth Park over Wellington Anniversary Weekend. Base Camp is beside the Ramaroa Centre at Mackays Crossing, about 45 km north of Wellington City. Enlistment opens 1 July 2026 and deployment takes place on Saturday, 23 January 2027. Entry is limited to 150 places.
The format follows the Backyard Ultra rules: each lap is 6.71 km, and runners must return to the start before the hourly cut-off to continue. Each lap gains approximately 80 m of elevation. The course runs along coastal edge, open paddocks, the historic Yankee Trail, wetlands with kahikatea remnants, and former farm tracks.
All participants are self-sufficient and must carry or bring shelter, food, hydration and any other equipment needed for extended field operations. Crew are allowed and encouraged to provide support, while respecting the event’s self-sufficiency requirements.
Entry costs are listed as Soldier: $150 and U18 Recruit: $90. The event recognises the historical use of the park by U.S. Marines during 1942–1944 and partners with the Kapiti U.S. Marines Trust to direct proceeds toward restoration of onsite World War II exhibits.
Participants may choose to complete a single lap or continue for multiple hours; the event ends when only one runner remains who completes one more lap than the rest. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
