Suffolk Back Yard Ultra Festival

Suffolk Back Yard Ultra Festival

The Suffolk Back Yard Ultra Festival is a Backyard Ultra held at High Lodge Thetford Forest in Suffolk. Competitors complete a loop of 4.167 miles (6.7056 km) each hour; each loop must be finished within the one hour limit and the last person to complete a loop is the event winner. Chip timing is used. Prize money is listed as £500 for 2027 and £1000 for 2026.

The organiser offers timed alternatives with the same course and start: 6 hour and 12 hour entry options at reduced cost. These timed races have no overall winner or prizes and participants are recorded as DNF once their time limit ends. The 6 hour option has a lowered age limit of 12 years; a parent or guardian must remain onsite and an emergency contact is required.

The route is wide, mostly flat, firm underfoot and fully signed, with mainly gravel or grass paths and a single small hill. There is a single aid station at the start/finish offering water and basic snacks; food and coffee vans and nearby High Lodge cafe provide hot food while vendors are present. Camping for runners and crews is provided free across two camping areas; stoves are not permitted in tents. There is no mains power and signal is patchy; a limited charging station and public starlink wifi are available. Parking options and a site gate closure window are managed by the organiser.

Distances: Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

• Full Backyard Ultra: 4.167 miles (6.7056 km) loop, open ended.
• 12 hour event: 4.167 miles loops for 12 hours, timed finish.
• 6 hour event: 4.167 miles loops for 6 hours, age 12 plus with guardian.