Portland Pig Backyard Ultra
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About the race
The Portland Pig Backyard Ultra is the sixth edition of a Backyard Ultra event held at Grove Farm Estate, Portland, Dorset (The Piggery Unit 1, Grove Road, DT5 1GD). The format requires competitors to complete a loop of 6,706 metres (4.167 miles) in under one hour; each new loop starts on the hour and repeats until only one runner remains.
The course is fully marked and includes mixed surfaces: grass, gravel, track, tarmac and pavement. The route passes a variety of local landmarks, including two prisons, a set of Olympic rings, a cricket club, two stone quarries with carvings, an Olympic sailing venue, coastal views, a wallaby farm, alpacas, Portland sheep and historical high-angle batteries from 1892.
Entries include on-site camping for the entrant and up to two crew members, with motorhomes permitted and caravans not allowed. Camping pitches are non-hook-up. Toilets, hot and cold water, full chip timing and medic cover are provided. A DNF medal is available for those who do not finish, and the overall winner receives a hand-carved Portland stone memento.
Event rules note that runners must be self-sufficient for food, outside assistance is not permitted, running and walking poles are not allowed, and open wood-burning fire pits are prohibited. Age restrictions follow UK Athletics rules: competitors must be 20 or older to run beyond 45 km; 18 and 19 year olds may run up to 45 km. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
