We’re really happy to be bringing the dirt to Wānaka for this inaugural event.
Time to PLAY.
The Outlet Backyard starts at 9am Saturday 27th February 2027 at Outlet Camp Wānaka.
Outlet Camp Wānaka have provided us a spacious area for our corral, for your race set-up & an area dedicated for backyard family camping along the route. This enables us to offer a relaxed, spacious & full weekend with amenities in a natured space welcoming of everyone.
Camp fees have been discounted for all competitors whanau, fans & support. Primary crew & entrants have no camping fee. Discounted rates for whanau & friends available on the Friday before your Backyard adventure – more details to come –
This is an invitation to you to bring your family & supporters for a weekend that enables everyone to relax, cheer & enjoy a full weekend in Wānaka – at a campsite dedicated purely to the love of adventure, nature and what our backyards have to offer us.
This is an event for everyone – ALL levels – ALL aspirations.
It doesn’t matter where you are in your level of ability, this event is for you. If you’d like to achieve one yard, we’ve got you – If you’d like to run for days & through the nights, we’ve got you too!
– Stepping over the start line is where the adventure begins-
We’ll have information on what you need for your event in the coming months. Primarily, we’ll be providing a dreamy yard in a supportive happy environment for you to have fun or dig deep or both – & with lots of toilets – The Backyard community as it always does, will wrap you in joy & support along your way for a memorable & good day or daze! – We’ll be ensuing the good vibes.
For the childles we some activities available & a free running event on Saturday. More information to come.
We’ll be adding more information to this site & newsletters to help prepare you for your event. If you haven’t registered to run and would still enjoy information to your inbox, subscribe HERE
The 6.7km trail for your yard is a variation of well drained & tidy moraine, packed forest floor, single & wide Central Otago trail – with gentle gradients – The majority of uphill gradients being no more than 2% with downhill gradients reaching 3% in places. – & currently with a 35m elevation but with some adjustments to come. Expect changes. Good changes.
This yard is good mixture of open & forested stetches, has wild views & offers a consistent & unfolding change. A really lovely end of summer run. – we’re looking forward to nailing your maps.
Allotted space for your race set up is 3 by 3m.
You each have available a 3 by 3m space to set your station – where you’ll get on with all the things you need after each yard – such as taking a seat & having a treat. Any structure you like it just needs to fit the 3 by 3.
Your home-base is your lifeline to keep going.
– You might like to share a space or set up next to your friends. More information on this process closer to the event date. If you’ve ticked 24hours off in the backyard format already, we’ll be placing you nearer to the corral – unless you’d prefer more distance to trot.
If you would prefer to arrive & just have everything – ready & waiting for you – Kits & Bits with ALL the Kit & ALL the Bits literally have you covered. From your 3 by 3 to your comfy chair – We’re really happy to have Kits & Bits with us to support you with your event kit. They LOVE Backyard & want to see you have frun & succeed. – Robyn & Jeremy “…bring the kits & all the bits so you can focus on your event.” – Too easy! You can find our event link here.
We also have a large communal Marquee available – nicely sheltered if you’d like to set your seat & resting spot in a shared space.
Backyard Ultra Rules
The following rules have been transferred here directly from the founder of Backyard events. – Big’s Backyard.
STARTS:
- Each Yard starts precisely one hour after the last
- Warning must be given 3, 2, and 1 minute before the bell
- All competitors must start at the bell (No late starts)
YARDS:
- Except for restroom breaks a competitor cannot leave the course until the Yard is complete
- No non-competitors on the course (including eliminated runners)
- No personal aid during a Yard
- Each Yard must be completed in less than an hour to be counted
- No artificial aids (including trekking poles)
- Slower runners must yield/allow passes
WINNER/RESULTS
- The winner is the last person to complete a Yard
- All others are technically DNF
- Results of each participant in terms of Yards completed are to be given
- If no participant can complete one more yard than anyone else there is no winner.
Big’s Backyard
