The Longbridge 100 Backyard Ultra's

The Longbridge 100 Backyard Ultra

The Longbridge 100 Backyard Ultra is a last person standing running event near Alfriston. Competitors run repeated laps of at least 4.167 miles (approximately 6.7 km). Each lap must be completed within the hour and runners must be inside the starting corral at the bell to continue; failure to meet this rule results in a DNF. Four laps equal about a half marathon, seven laps equal a marathon, and eight laps or more are classed as an ultra.

The event enforces strict on-course rules: no personal aid or non-competitors are allowed on the course during a lap, assistance is permitted only between finishing one lap and entering the starting corral for the next, and no artificial aids such as trekking poles may be used. Runners must wear a running watch to record laps. A token system requires every runner to collect a token at the second turnaround point and bring it to race HQ each lap; missing a token leads to disqualification. Timing is recorded with a timing app and by manual logs.

Entry is limited to a small field with specific allocations for general sale and a waiting list. Facilities include covered barn space for runners and their support crew, a small aid station with drinks and snacks, a daytime cafe adjacent to the corral, charging points, toilets and separate female changing areas, and on-site first aiders. The course runs on single paths and farm access roads with chalky flint and gravel underfoot; elevation is listed as 180 m for the winter route and 190 m for the summer route. The event also follows a range of sustainability practices such as single use plastic reduction, refill stations, use of local vendors, recycling and composting, electric shuttle options, solar charging where feasible, and a carbon offset program. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.