The Longbridge 100 Backyard Ultra's

The Longbridge 100 Backyard Ultra

The Longbridge 100 Backyard Ultra is a last person standing event held near Alfriston on a repeated loop format. Competitors must begin a new lap on the hour every hour and the race only ends when one runner is able to start one more lap than any other. The event runs in both Winter and Summer editions and has a limited field with 50 general sale places and 10 reserved places via a waiting list ballot; reserved places are offered based on prior experience in backyard ultras, 100 mile races or multi day events.

Each lap is at least 4.2 miles (6.78 km). Runners must be inside the starting corral when the bell rings and each loop must be completed within an hour to be counted. Competitors may not leave the course during a loop except to use restrooms. No personal aid is permitted on the course during a loop and assistance is only allowed between finishing a lap and entering the starting corral for the next lap. Artificial aids including trekking poles are not permitted. All runners must wear a running watch to record loops and cumulative distance.

The route uses single paths and farm access roads with chalky flint and gravel underfoot; the Winter elevation is listed at 180 m and the Summer elevation at 190 m. Event facilities include a covered barn area for runners and support crews, toilets and changing areas, a small aid station with water, fruit and snacks, a nearby cafe during daytime, dedicated first aiders, and charging power for devices. Transport options mentioned include an electric minibus shuttle from the local train station and an expectation that each runner arrives with one support crew member.

Timing is recorded with the Webscorer app and manual lap recording. A compulsory token system at the second turnaround requires runners to collect and return a token on every lap; failure to return a token results in disqualification and tokens are kept as proof for mementos. Entry prices and ticket types vary by edition. Refund and deferral rules apply because numbers are limited: 100 percent refund up to 8 weeks if the race has sold out and the waiting list is enacted; 50 percent refund up to 4 weeks under the same condition; no refund less than 4 weeks. Full deferral and refund are offered for female runners who become pregnant after registration.

The event follows a set of sustainability practices including single use plastic and cup free operations, refill stations for bottles and vests, recycled or reusable signage and materials, reusable race bibs unless requested as souvenirs, solar phone charging where possible, HVO for any generators, local sourcing of vendors, recycling and composting stations, and participation in a carbon removal program with UNDO Carbon. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.