The backyard ultra is a form of ultra-marathon race where competitors must consecutively run a 6.706 km lap in less than one hour. These laps are repeated on the hour, every hour. When each lap is completed, the remaining time within that hour is used to recover, rest, eat before the start of the next lap. The race ends when there is only one runner remaining to complete a lap - that runner is marked as the winner and only finisher, with all other runners receiving a "DNF".
The backyard ultra is a very unique trail running experience. It is a race against yourself, it is a race where runners challenge themselves and each other to see how far they are willing to go. With "Just One More Lap" being repeated in your mind, the support you get from your family and friends and the encouragement you get from other runners - this is a race not to be missed.
Each venue is unique, with different challenges, elevation, conditions which makes the Backyard Ultra Series an exciting series to be part of. So if you are looking at doing your first half, full, ultra or crazy distance marathon, then the Backyard Ultra Series gives you the chance to push yourself for "Just One More Lap".
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SILVER TICKET EVENT
MARONDERA / HARARE / MUTARE races are SILVER TICKET events where the winner from each event automatically gets a spot in the Big Dog’s Satellite Championships: Team Zimbabwe. Where the top 15 athletes overall from the series will battle it our for just one more lap to crown the National Champion of 2024. Along the way is the opportunity to represent your country on a national team, to compete for a national championship… and, of course, a clear path to reach the world championships in Big Dog’s Backyard. Big Dog’s Satellite Championships: Team Zimbabwe winner will secure a berth at the World Individual Championships to be held at Big Dog’s Backyard starting October 18, 2025
VENUE
8th June - Mukuvisi Harare (Limited to 80 - entries close 4pm - 31st May)
10th August - Mutare (Venue TBC)
TICKETS - LIMITED TO 100 PER EVENT
$20 - BYU +263 Harare - Mukuvisi
$20 - BYU +263 Mutare - TBC
ENTRY INCLUDES
Race number | Grab-n-go items
Entries close 7 days prior to race
REGISTRATION - BRIEFING - START
Registration will take place between 05H30-06H30
Race Briefing will take place at 06H30.
The backyard ultra will start at 07H00.
RACE VILLAGE
Mukuvisi will be open from 5am for athletes and supporters to come in.
Mukuvisi Coffee Shop is open all day - Breakfast, lunch, tea or a light snacks available. Open till the last runner finishes
WATER POINTS AND NUTRITION
There are no water point on the route and participants are required to carry everything they need for each lap.
HOW DOES IT WORK
Runners are required to complete a 6.706km lap in less than one hour. This is repeated on the hour, every hour until runners either are unable to complete the lap in the allotted time or fail to start a next lap. When each lap is completed, the remaining time within that hour is used to recover, eat, sleep, relax before the start of the next lap on the hour. Except for toilet breaks, competitors may not leave the course until each lap is completed. The winner is the person who completes the most laps.
Runners are required to be in the starting coral before the start of each lap and will be given three warnings before the start of each lap. All competitors must start at the bell (no late starts). Competitors who do not make the start will get a DNF, even if they are only 10 seconds late
3 minutes to go - 3 whistle blows
2 minutes to go - 3 whistle blows
1 minute to go - 1 whistle blow
Participants are required to provide their own nutrition for the duration of the event. Limited nutrition will be provided by the event organiser.
Supporters are allowed and encouraged to attend the event and provide all mental and nutritional support, however no support is permitted along the route.
Participants are required to bring their own camping equipment, gazebos deck chairs or other items needed for the duration of the event.
THINGS TO BRING ALONG
Below is a guide on what items to bring to a backyard ultra.
Head lights with extra batteries
Extra socks and shoes (2 pairs recommended)
Water bottles / hydration pack
Race food and nutrition
Sunscreen / cap
Change of clothing
Chafe cream / Vaseline
Emergency space blanket
Soft shell jacket / Wind proof / rain jacket
Buff / Beanie / Thermal base layer / Fleece top / gloves
Tent / gazebo / chair / warm blanket / sleeping bag / pillow
Cooking equipment / Crockery and cutlery
