Coffs Backyard Ultra

Coffs Backyard Ultra

Coffs Backyard Ultra is a donation-based, community event held at the Exhibition Pavilion and along the Coffs Creek Walkway in Coffs Harbour, NSW. The format requires each participant to run a 6.706 km “yard” within one hour and repeat that same course every hour until only one runner remains.

The course combines a 1.3 km showground loop with a 5.406 km out-and-back on the Coffs Creek Walkway. Surface breakdown per yard is approximately 75% shaded gravel, 10% boardwalk, and 15% bitumen. Total ascent and descent per yard are both about 20 metres. Road or trail shoes are suitable; mud may collect after rain.

Mandatory items include a visible race bib, a mobile phone during night yards, a headtorch or handheld torch during night yards, and a personal cup or flask because the event is cupless. Random gear checks may occur. Support crew may assist runners only after a yard is completed; no assistance is allowed during a yard.

Facilities at the Exhibition Pavilion include a large undercover area for marquees, kitchen appliances, charging stations, a quiet sleeping room, toilets and showers. Free camping is available on site for the event period. Aid includes a main station with drinks and snacks and two on-course unmanned cupless water points with portable toilets. Results are recorded manually on a tally board and published through Backyard Ultra channels.

Prizes include cash awards for the last male and last female remaining and milestone and novelty awards for other outcomes. The event is SheRunnerAus endorsed and runs several environmental initiatives including a shoe recycling program. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.