Thetford Back Yard Ultra

Thetford Back Yard Ultra Festival

Thetford Back Yard Ultra Festival is a Backyard Ultra held at High Lodge in Thetford Forest, Suffolk. Competitors run repeated loops of 4.167 miles each hour. Each loop must be completed within an hour to count; failure to do so results in a DNF. The full event is open ended and continues until only one runner completes an additional loop more than all others.

The event offers timed short options alongside the full open event. The 6 hour and 12 hour entries use the same course and setup but competitors in those categories are automatically recorded as DNF once their time limit is reached. The 6 hour race has a lowered minimum age of 12 years; a parent or guardian must be onsite and an emergency contact number is required.

There is chip timing for the event and a prize of £250 plus free entry to the summer Suffolk Backyard Ultra for the winner. The route is wide and mostly flat through forest with firm underfoot, a mix of gravel and grass footpaths, one small hill, and full route signage.

Onsite facilities include one aid station at the start/finish area, portable toilets, supervised cooking area for crews, free camping for runners and crews with limited space, no power and limited charging, and a request that participants take personal rubbish home. Crew numbers are not limited but should be kept minimal. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.