Event Overview
| Date | Jan 16, 2027 |
|---|---|
| Location | Voritsi village square, Heraklion, Crete, Greece |
| Format | Backyard Ultra |
| Terrain | Mixed |
| Region | Europe |
| Distance / duration | 6.706 km per yard |
| Course model | Loop |
| Edition note | Registration is open for January 16, 2027. The event banner spans January 16–17, but the rules give no fixed finish. Use the 10:00 AM start in the dated 2027 instructions; the older route page still says 11:00 AM. |
| Cutoff | Each 6.706 km yard must be completed within the hour; no fixed overall finish. |
| Start | 10:00 AM Saturday |
| Highlights | Day and Night Routes, Crete Village Base |
Course & Terrain
Alternating day and night routes from the village square, using paths and roads.
Entry & Logistics
| Registration and fees | Check the official event website for current availability, deadlines, prices, taxes, and refund terms. |
|---|---|
| Support model | Central food, water and medical support, with a tent village at the start/finish. |
| Crew / pacers | One declared support person per runner in the tent village; no assistance on the course. |
| Logistics note | Bib pickup 08:00–09:30; briefing 09:45. Night route from 18:00, day route again at 08:00 Sunday. Bring reusable drinkware, a bowl and a headlamp with spare batteries. |
Why This Race Matters
The fifth edition is organized with Idean Routes and Hochlios Team in Voritsi.
Preparing for a Race Like Cretan Backyard Ultra
The backyard ultra race guide covers the format as a whole. These guides go deeper:
- Backyard ultras explained: Rules, distance math, current records and how a race ends.
- Backyard ultra training plan: A 16-week framework with hourly-loop rehearsals and a printable worksheet.
- Backyard ultra race strategy: Loop pacing, the routine between loops, sleep and knowing when to stop.
- Backyard ultra nutrition: A tested fueling routine for eating and drinking between loops.
Planning Notes
- Practice the exact hourly routine: loop, eat, foot check, bottle refill, and back to the start. The format rewards repeatability.
- The directory does not mark this as having simpler logistics. Confirm qualification, terrain, support, registration, medical, and withdrawal requirements before planning around it.
- The village has no supermarket or public transport access
- Start-time wording differs between the older route page and dated 2027 instructions
Related Preparation
- Open the Backyard Ultra format guide
- Compare all race formats
- Use the timed-race pace calculator
- Build a backyard yard and rest-time schedule
- Build a crew and drop-bag plan
- Build a race-specific gear checklist
Verification & Sources
Verification scope: the listed edition's date, location, format, and available logistics were checked against the event-specific official sources below during the directory review dated October 20, 2026. Organizers can revise details after review.
- Organizer’s 2027 event and registration page — https://ideanroutes.gr/event/cretan-backyard-ultra-2026/
- Official technical guidelines for 2027 — https://ideanroutes.gr/files/backyard26/tech-info-27-en.pdf
- Organizer’s day and night route descriptions — https://ideanroutes.gr/loops/
- Multiday Running event directory review scope: October 20, 2026.