Suffolk Back Yard Ultra Festival

Suffolk Back Yard Ultra Festival

The Suffolk Back Yard Ultra Festival is an endurance running event held at High Lodge Thetford Forest. The competition follows the traditional backyard ultra format, where participants must complete a 4.167 mile loop (one "Yard") every hour on the hour. The event continues until only one person remains who can complete a final loop within the one-hour time limit.

Participants follow a wide, flat route through forest areas. The course surface consists mainly of gravel or grass footpaths and is designed to be firm underfoot with good drainage. While the route is largely flat, it includes one small incline.

The festival offers several entry categories:

• Full Event: The open-ended backyard ultra where the winner is the last person standing.
• 12 Hour Event: A timed option where runners complete loops for up to 12 hours.
• 6 Hour Event: A timed option with a lower age limit of 12 years old.

The event site includes two free camping areas for runners and crews, though space is limited. Facilities at the start and finish area include an aid station providing water and basic snacks, and portable toilets. On-site food and coffee vendors are also present during the day. As the event takes place in a forest with strict fire rules, no stoves or cooking are permitted in the camping areas. The site has no mains power, so participants are advised to bring power banks for charging devices. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.