Sydney's Backyard Ultra

Sydney's Backyard Ultra

Sydney's Backyard Ultra is an open-ended backyard ultra event scheduled for 19 September 2026 at St Ives Showground, Australia. The race uses the Backyard Ultra format: competitors run a measured loop of approximately 6.71 km each hour and must complete each loop within the hour to remain in the race. Each loop carries 34 metres of elevation gain and the course is marked before the event so runners do not need to follow a map during the race.

Official rules require runners to be in the starting corral when the bell sounds; loops commence exactly one hour after the previous loop with warnings given three, two, and one minute before each start. The last runner to successfully finish a loop is declared the winner. If no competitor completes one more loop than others, the race may have no winner.

Mandatory gear includes an allocated race number, a head torch with spare batteries, a charged mobile phone with race contacts saved, and a reusable cup or flask because the event is cupless. Recommended gear lists shelter (maximum 3 m x 3 m), warm clothing, spare shoes, battery lighting, recovery aids, nutrition, and a personal first-aid kit.

Entry pricing and capacity are stated: general $275.75, final $299.75, with a field cap of 750 runners. Support crews are allowed but may only assist runners after a loop is completed; pacers are not permitted. Rubbish must be removed by participants and crews. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.