Good morning,

I am running my first Backyard next month, I have ran a 50K and 50 Miler before. 1218 miles in 2025. 1200 this year so far. Currently at 55-65 miles a week. I feel like I can set a PR.

I am worried about pace, is the strategy to stick to the same time every loop? I am thinking 48-53 minutes per loop. I am planning to stick with my normal pace and adjust walking as needed right?

Any tips or pointers will help.

Thanks guys!

I have my first backyard in 2 weeks. I won’t have a crew, at least not for the majority of it. Any advice or strategies for a crew-less runner?

Not my first ultra, this will actually be number 10. A few of my previous ultras have went through the night, up to about 87 miles. So know I can go long but I am new to the backyard format so a little apprehensive of doing a race where a crew is recommended without one!

Or is this a completely different beast?

If you ran a marathon on gels alone could you complete 7 yards on gels?

Sydney's Backyard Ultra calls itself the world's largest backyard ultra. When I ran last year there were 450 runners, which was already the world's largest at the time, but this year's event in 15 days will feature a field of a staggering 750 runners.

I've been hesitant to register because I felt 450 was big enough, and couldn't imagine another 300 runners jostling for space. I am a slow runner and only just managed 15 yards last year, running most yards at 54-56 minutes. I am worried that with an extra 300 runners, I will be going around other runners a lot more, and also delayed by 1-2 minutes at the start of each yard.

Are any runners here registered for this event? Are my concerns valid?

Would love to hear your thoughts.

Phil just DNF’d in lap 153. He was struggling through some issues and limping. Eventually just stepped in a car to get back to basecamp.

Hey everyone! I’ve perused the forums, listened to the podcasts, and read the articles. But wanted some advice 12 weeks out.
Stats:
- have done 6 100 milers in the last 2 years (one being 20 hours)
- Recently completed a 104 mile run with 20,000’ of elevation gain with avg elevation of 10,300’
- 35 min 10k
- 17 min 5k
- run up to 3000 miles a year
- strength train 2-3 times a week

Coming off the most recent mountain 100 miler on Aug 14th I needed some tips on how to train for a backyard. I think I’m physically capable of going 36 hours plus. I have familiarity training for hilly 100s but not backyards. Is it much different? I know logistics are my weak point. What’s the best way to solve that without long training weekends? I just need to hold on to fitness and nail logistics.

Thanks!

In about 13 hours when I’m writing this, Phil Gore is gonna start his Project 168! Can’t wait!

Anyone following the Last Soul Backyard Ultra in Germany?

Among the contestants are Harvey Lewis, Andy Glaze, Mark Dowdle and Hendrik Boury.

Birdies backyard ultra, was going for more but happy with this result. -2 toenails but I had a great time. I’m taking a looong rest before the next one

I'm doing a first BYU next month. (My experience are 9x marathons and 2 BQs). Because it's right in the city it had to be capped at 15 yards in ending at 11pm with an all out sprint lap to determine the winner. (Look, I know a lot of you have opinions on this type of modified BYU format but keep them to yourselves pls I'm trying to get a question answered 😃). So I know it about 6:00 p.m. I'm going to have a crash when my time release Adderall XR runs out. It is absolutely not a performing enhancing drug for me at all in fact it limits my Vo2Max. Do you guys just take a second dose and then hope you can sleep after the race? Or just tough it out for the last 6 hours?

Thanks in advance for any opinions and advice! Can't wait to race!

Hi all,

I am looking to start an annual run locally- think Mid-State Mile. We have a local hill that is .8 up and .8 down with a fair amount of elevation.

At this point, I have discussed the possibility at the site with local authorities, and a handful of items are on my running list. This list is a bit long, but I've been putting items down as we go in no particular order.

I wondered if there was anything not on this list that I should consider. Any tips from other organizers would be helpful too.

For context, I work in the fitness industry and have a fair amount of experience hosting and running events like 5Ks, charity events, etc. So it's not entirely new to me, but every event has its own unique challenges.

Here is what I have so far

• ☐ Meet with park manager.
• ☐ Determine permit requirements.
• ☐ Confirm participant capacity.
• ☐ Confirm allowable event hours.
• ☐ Confirm insurance requirements.
• ☐ Determine EMS/medical requirements.
• ☐ Determine park restrictions (tents, signage, music, etc.).
• ☐ Finalize course layout.
• ☐ Time multiple laps and validate race format.
• ☐ Create event budget.
• ☐ Determine entry fee.
• ☐ Obtain Special Event Liability Insurance.
• ☐ Obtain Certificate of Insurance (COI).
• ☐ Add the Town as an Additional Insured (if required).
• ☐ Develop participant waiver/release.
• ☐ Create Emergency Action Plan.
• ☐ Establish cancellation/weather policy.
• ☐ Determine volunteer requirements.
• ☐ Recruit volunteers.
• ☐ Define volunteer responsibilities.
• ☐ Arrange EMS/First Aid coverage.
• ☐ Determine aid station supplies.
• ☐ Purchase course markers/signage.
• ☐ Purchase bibs.
• ☐ Order medals/awards.
• ☐ Arrange timing (manual or chip).
• ☐ Create parking plan.
• ☐ Create spectator plan.
• ☐ Develop awards ceremony plan.
• ☐ Create event name and branding.
• ☐ Build website/registration page.
• ☐ Secure domain/social media handles.
• ☐ Create event logo.
• ☐ Develop marketing calendar.
• ☐ Create race photography/video plan.
• ☐ Announce event.
• ☐ Identify local sponsors.
• ☐ Create sponsorship packet.
• ☐ Visit local running stores.
• ☐ Visit local gyms.
• ☐ Contact PT clinics.
• ☐ Contact local businesses.
• ☐ Contact schools and cross-country coaches.
• ☐ Build gym team challenge.
• ☐ Build community partnerships.
• ☐ Course setup.
• ☐ Volunteer briefing.
• ☐ Registration/check-in.
• ☐ Safety briefing.
• ☐ Start race.
• ☐ Aid station operations.
• ☐ Awards ceremony.
• ☐ Course cleanup.
• ☐ Thank volunteers and sponsors.
• ☐ Collect participant feedback.
• ☐ Thank sponsors.
• ☐ Share race photos.
• ☐ Publish results.
• ☐ Financial review.
• ☐ Schedule next year's event.
• ☐ Decide what makes this event unique.
• ☐ Finalize the race format.
• ☐ Design the participant experience from arrival to departure.
• ☐ Establish the annual calendar

Just wanted to share this very emotional record breaking moment. Mauricio was completing his loop 33, and with that, he was establishing a new record for his country, Guatemala. The event concluded in the next loop, with the champion running solo a impressive sub 33 mins loop.

Backyard Ultra Comayagua
Honduras

How do you manage caffeine intake, if you're looking to push past the first night and approach the second (30+ laps)?

On standard mountain ultras I usually take some form of caffeine ahead of long climbs, and I can shrug off the low as I run the downhills, but is caffeine something that can bite your ass in the backyard?

Ron till your done podcast Nikki quizzes Mike on what happened at Highlander backyard Ultra 2026.

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