MULTIDAYRUNNING
🔄 Backyard UltraBUABeginner Friendly

Sydney's Backyard Ultra

One of Australia's premier backyard ultra events. A last-person-standing race starting at 8:00 AM at St Ives Showground with a community-focused atmosphere.

Official WebsiteBack to Events

Event dates, entry rules, qualification standards, and course details can change. Always verify current information on the official event website before registering or booking travel.

Event Overview

DateSep 19, 2026
Location🇦🇺 St Ives Showground, Sydney, Australia
FormatBackyard Ultra
TerrainTrail
RegionOceania
Elevation gain34 m gain per yard
CutoffOne hour per yard. The race continues until only one runner remains.
Start8:00 AM
Field sizeRace capacity: 750 runners.
SanctioningBUA

Course & Terrain

Backyard ultra on a marked 6.706 km / 6.71 km yard at St Ives Showground.

Key course features to know before comparing this race:

  • 6.706 km yard every hour
  • Visible course layout for supporters
  • Milestone distances from 100 km through world-record territory

The listed 34 m of gain per yard becomes meaningful if the race lasts deep into the second day.

Sydney spring conditions can shift across day and night, so runners should prepare shade, rain protection, and warm layers for rest periods.

Entry & Logistics

RegistrationRegistration is open through the official event site.
Entry feeGeneral entry listed at $275.75, with a later final price of $299.75.
Support modelOfficial event setup includes marked course, aid station, event shirt, photos, live streaming, and runner/crew facilities.
Crew / pacersCrew may only assist after a runner completes a yard. Pacers are not permitted at any stage.
Logistics noteRunners should bring mandatory items including race number, head torch, mobile phone access, and a reusable cup or flask for the cupless event.

Why This Race Matters

Sydney's Backyard Ultra is a useful reference point for runners comparing backyard ultra events. Its format, terrain, and support model shape the kind of preparation required: not just fitness, but pacing discipline, nutrition planning, foot care, and the ability to make good decisions under fatigue.

Best Fit

  • Runners trying a well-supported backyard format with a large field
  • Athletes who want crew visibility and a social race hub
  • Backyard specialists looking for a deep Australian field

Planning Notes

  • Practice the exact hourly routine: loop, eat, foot check, bottle refill, and back to the start. The format rewards repeatability.
  • Train for terrain-specific fatigue. Technical trails and mountain courses demand downhill durability, hiking efficiency, and reliable night lighting.
  • This event is marked beginner-friendly in the directory, but first-timers should still verify cutoffs, support rules, and crew access on the official site.
  • No aid or exchanges are allowed while a runner is on a yard
  • Pacers are not permitted
  • Gazebo and crew setup rules matter before the first bell

Event FAQs

How long is each loop at Sydney's Backyard Ultra?

Each yard is listed as 6.706 km / 6.71 km, with one hour to complete it.

Are pacers allowed at Sydney's Backyard Ultra?

No. The event FAQ says pacer runners are not permitted at any stage.

Sources

  1. Official Sydney's Backyard Ultra page — https://sydneysbackyardultra.au/
  2. Multiday Running event directory data, last reviewed June 2026.