With Big’s Backyard Ultra due to begin this week, it’s time to take a closer look at the latest ultramarathon trend that runners are going loopy for.
of the best marathons around the world?
The brainchild of Gary ‘Lazarus Lake’ Cantrell (aka, the big-bearded creator of the notorious Barkley Marathons), the race format is simple. Participants have to complete a 4.167-mile loop (known as a yard) on the hour, every hour until one only runner remains. This last person standing is the race’s winner, while everyone else DNFs.
‘I moved on to the farm about 15 years ago,’ says Lake from his home in Short Creek, Tennessee. ‘We built trails around the place and I wanted to have an ultra where I lived. We tried a regular timed run, but it’s only 150 acres and it was lacking something. The basic concept of the backyard ultra had been in my head for a long time. I was trying to think of something we could do with limited space and resources that would be fun.’
What everyone's reading
When did it begin?
In 2011, Big Dog’s Backyard Ultra was born. The course was four miles, 880 feet in length, and although it seems mischievously specific, it sees runners rack up 100 miles in 24 hours. Lake adds that it had three simple rules aside from the distance: ‘You have to be in the corral and start when the bell rings; you don’t get any assistance until you finish the loop; and you can’t have pacers.’
Tim Englund was the inaugural event’s winner, outlasting all 31 other entrants to record 18 laps/yards and a total distance of 75 miles. Now, there are hundreds of events held each year around the world, with more springing up all the time, and the winning distances have stretched to mind-boggling totals.
Big Dog’s Backyard Ultra has become the discipline’s de facto world championship each October, and in 2023, all but two of the 75 competitors exceeded Englund’s original effort – with eventual winner Harvey Lewis logging a world record 108 yards (or 450 miles over four-and-a-half days of competing).
‘I wasn’t sure enough people would enjoy it, but people really embraced the idea,’ says Lake. He believes part of its growth is down to what he calls its ‘soccer factor’. ‘It was devised as something that didn’t require a lot of space and resources,’ says Lake. ‘In Western countries, people running ultras have a lot of financial strength. But all you need for a backyard is a wristwatch, and there are actually places in the world where literally [one] wristwatch is what they have between all the people running.
‘There’s a lot of aspects to it that I hadn’t anticipated,’ adds Lake. ‘The competitive part at the top, the front runners going on and on – that was what we expected. But just the way it works out when you’re competing, it’s a venue where everyone’s out trying to accomplish their best, so it’s a shared high – it’s like winning a team sport.’
What is the backyard ultra world record?
While it might sound like a sadistic way to spend your Saturday, it’s actually an amazing introduction to ultrarunning, and it’s possible to soon rack up distance personal bests – 7 yards eclipses a marathon, while 8 (50K), 12 (50 miles) 15 (100K) and 24 (100 miles) are all common targets. That said, some of the world’s best ultrarunners have taken part – and the world records are suitably mind-boggling. The USA’s Harvey Lewis holds the men’s record, thanks to his 450-mile feat at last year’s Big’s Backyard Ultra. The women’s record, meanwhile, is held by compatriot Jennifer Russo, who ran 308.3 miles at the 2023 Capital Backyard Ultra in Lorton, Virginia.
What are the best UK backyard ultras?
The discipline is exploding in popularity in the UK, with more events popping up year-round. From super competitive contests that go on for days to pocket friendly plods, here’s our round-up of the UK’s best backyard ultras…
Longbridge 100
When: 24 October 2025 date TBC
If the thought of potentially covering 100 miles in 24 hours wasn’t tough enough, this East Sussex event throws some serious elevation into the mix, as participants gain almost 200m per yard. It also starts at 6pm – a particularly brutal baptism of fire during its winter event, which is held in the dark depths of January.
Trails and Tarmac
When: 25 June 2025
This Welsh adventure takes place just days after the summer solstice, giving runners minimal yards in the dark. Its early start time allows you to log 15 loops before dusk, while the promise of the 4am dawn chorus can act as a carrot to get you to the mythical 100-mile mark. The course itself is 50:50 trail and tarmac (hence the name), but even on the hard stuff, you’ll be treated to the Black Mountains’ amazing scenery.
Rasselbock BYU
When: 1 March 2025
The Sherwood Pines race is so popular that it runs a spring and autumn event, enabling as many people as possible to sample the Nottinghamshire course’s trails and tribulations. You’ll have to be quick, though – Rasselbock BYU has a dedicated following and many past entrants return year-on-year to try and beat their PB.
Cow Shed Backyard Ultra
When: 20 September 2025
The Cow Shed Backyard Ultra is one for your diary for North East-based runners. The course record (34) was set by the reigning UK female record holder Sarah Perry, and you can expect a competitive field that will go deep into a second day (or more…).
Portland Pig Backyard Ultra
When: 2 May 2025
bustinskintriathlonclub.clubtrac.co.uk
Expect two prisons, a set of Olympic rings and beach views to die for on this Portland-based course, which takes place on a mix of grass, gravel, track and tarmac. Starting on the Friday before the early May bank holiday, you won’t be able to use work on Monday as an excuse to stop running…
Mapledurham Backyard Ultra
When: 3 May 2025
This race usually takes place during the early May bank holiday too, although the 2025 date is TBC. The HQ is set in the grounds of Elizabethan stately home Mapledurham House, giving an air of sophistication to the gruelling proceedings. The course is a loop out to Chazey Woods, where a maze of (hopefully) dry singletrack trails awaits.
The Governor Backyard Ultra
When: May 2025, June 2025, August 2025 and October 2025 (all dates TBC)
To the uninitiated, a backyard might sound like a figurative form of punishment. This Kent event takes things a bit more literally, transforming a Victorian fortress on the Dover coast into HMP Hellfire for a series of events in 2024. Prisoners (aka, participants) have to run two out-and-back laps within the citadel’s confines to complete just one yard; it won’t be long before you're climbing the walls and plotting your escape.
Brighton Backyard Ultra
When: May 2025 (date TBC)
Stanmer Park Nature Reserve in the shadows of Ditchling Beacon is the setting for this south coast sojourn. Runners are allowed one crew member each to assist between yards and bringing your own shelter is recommended, although there will be a rest marquee for those without a pitch or support.
God’s Own Backyard Ultra
When: 16 Best Garmin deals
Another race with a spring and autumn session, this event on the outskirts of Leeds has two courses – the trails of Bramley Fall Park by day, the tarmac of the Liverpool to Leeds canal towpath by night – which provide a welcome variation to proceedings just as you hit sleep deprivation. Its 8am start will allow you to rack up the yards before nightfall, but with 15 hours of darkness to contend with during the November event, it’s no walk in the park.
January 2025 and 20 June 2025
When: June 2025 (date TBC)
If you’re looking to qualify for Big Dog’s – the first-ever backyard ultra which now acts as the unofficial World Championships event – you need to get a place at this Knettishall Heath Nature Reserve race in June. The unassuming spot on the outskirts of Thetford has been the site of some of the biggest runs in Backyard history – including John Stocker’s 2021 run which saw him break the UK record with 81 yards – and regularly attracts a field competitive enough to secure an At-Large spot at Lake’s World Championships.
Blended’s Backyard
When: 7 June 2025
Hosted in the heart of Hampshire, Blended’s take on the last person standing format takes place on private land and tracks over meadows, through woodland trails and up to Bugmore Hill trig point. Its capacity for 250 runners makes it one of the biggest backyards in the UK, giving you ample opportunity to make loads of new running buddies as you go round and round.
Breakheart Backyard Ultra
When: 20 June 2025
The creators of the Berkeley Marathons (a Gloucestershire-based event inspired by Lazarus Lake’s iconic Barkley Marathons) have continued their homage to the Tennessee-based race creator with this Breakheart Quarry race. Starting on the closest Saturday to the summer solstice, it’s ideal for those who don’t like running at night.
The Putney Loop Backyard Ultra
When: June 2025 (date TBC)
Pound the pavements along the banks of the Thames on this West London loop. Setting off from St Mary’s Church, there are a variety of courses depending on the river’s tide times, but most take in Putney Bridge, Hammersmith Bridge and Fulham FC’s ground Craven Cottage. A not-for-profit event, entry is as little as £20, and all proceeds go to Glass Door Homeless Charity.
Faccombe Backyard Ultra
When: 4 July 2025
Another backyard with monster elevation gain (750ft per yard), this trail-based ultra is not for the faint-hearted. The Faccombe Estate event’s current record stands at 25 yards, which saw the winner Frank Wainwright clock 104.167 miles and climb higher than Mont Blanc. Ouch.
The Highlander
When: 19 July 2025
The Highlander takes place against the picturesque backdrop of Blair Castle Estate, where an undulating 4.167-mile off-road course greets participants hour after hour. Scotland’s only silver ticket event, there’s a spot on the UK Team for the Summer running gear sale (October 2024) up for grabs, so expect a strong field and a race that stretches deep into 30-plus yards.
The Pig on the Hill Backyard Ultra
When: August 2025 (date TBC)
One of the UK’s cheapest backyards, this Llyn Peninsula-based race costs just £36 to enter, which is less than most of the October 2025 date TBC or half marathons. Its low price doesn’t mean a budget experience either; expect a real festival feel complete with free camping and a running road show from the Beautifully Brutal team.
Gosfield Backyard Ultra
When: 23 August 2025
While Essex might be well known for all the wrong reasons, when it comes to running events, you’re guaranteed a good time in the county thanks to its relatively pan-flat parcours. This August bank holiday get-together is the GBU’s inaugural edition, but its organiser – Top Day Events – is a well-oiled machine, having put on much-loved races in East Anglia such as the Essex Way Ultra 100K and 50K and The Sandlings 55.
The Devon and Cornwall Backyard
When: August/September 2025 (date TBC)
While the Devon course doesn’t technically cross into Kernow, its Newnham Park HQ on the outskirts of Plymouth is a stone’s throw from the River Tamar border, making it easily accessible for anyone in the South West. While entry will set you back £95, all proceeds go to Bowel Cancer West, meaning you’ll be helping someone in need – whether you run one or 100 yards.
Kinloss Backyard Ultra
When: August 2025 (date TBC)
Set on Kinloss Barracks, this Scottish Highlands event has one of the quirkiest courses in the UK and features a section along the former RAF station’s runway. It’s a loop where you can really fly, too, thanks to minimal elevation gain (
Manchester Backyard Ultra
When: October 2025 (date TBC)
The Outwood Trail on the outskirts of Manchester was formerly home to a railway line that ran between Prestwich and Radcliffe. In October, this brand new race will see runners bringing it back to life, as they chug up and down the out-and-back loop from the Giants Seat Scout Camp race HQ.
Golspie Backyard Ultra
When: 2 November 2024
The Scottish Highlands in November is as precarious as it sounds, but if last year’s event is anything to go by – beautiful sunrises and the Northern Lights at night – you’d be mad to miss it. And no, you’re not hallucinating – the race HQ’s Dunrobin Castle backdrop does make it seem like you’re running through the set of a Disney princess film.
Redbridge Backyard Ultra
When: 16 November 2024
If the January 2025 and 20 June 2025 is the UK’s answer to Big Dog’s, then Challenge Running’s winter outing is its Barkley Marathons. Based on Redbridge Cycling Centre’s 2km closed-road tarmac track, a yard consists of a short half lap and three full laps. By the end of your run, you’ll be able to do it with your eyes closed, which might actually be preferable to seeing the same course over and over again…
