If 2024 was the warm-up, 2025 is the full send. The Backyard Ultra, those deceptively simple, soul-crushing endurance events, have exploded across the globe this year, and it’s not just the elites chasing glory. From scout huts in Manchester to sun-scorched loops in Madeira, runners of all levels are toeing the line for a race with no finish… just one survivor.

Just a couple of months ago, at Dead Cow Gully in Queensland, Australia, Australian ultra-fiend Phil Gore shattered the Backyard Ultra world record, running 119 loops of a 6.7 km course over five days (nearly 800 km) to be the last man standing and take the final crown.

What makes this even more remarkable? He and New Zealander Sam Harvey pushed record splits together, until Harvey dropped at loop 118. Gore surged ahead, smashing the previous mark of 116 loops and even celebrated with an astonishing 34-minute final lap.

What Is a Backyard Ultra?

For the uninitiated, a backyard ultra is a race format where runners complete a 4.167-mile loop every hour, on the hour. Miss the cutoff? You’re out. Keep going until everyone else drops. The last person to complete a solo lap wins. It’s equal parts strategy, stamina, and stubbornness.

Why the Boom in the Backyard Ultra format?

Several factors have turned this niche format into a global obsession:

Accessibility: No need for mountains or massive logistics. A field, a trail, and a timing clock will do.

Inclusivity: You don’t need to be fast, just consistent. Backyard ultras reward pacing and mental grit over raw speed.

Community Vibes: Between loops, runners rest, chat, and share snacks. It’s a race where camaraderie thrives.

Global Spotlight: Events like the upcoming Big Dog’s Individual World Championship have drawn international attention, with national teams and record-breaking performances fuelling the hype.

Backyard Ultras Go Global

In 2025, the format has spread like wildfire:

UK Scene: Events like the PAU Backyard Ultra in Wolverhampton are attracting first-timers and veterans alike. With a growing calendar and local clubs jumping on board, it’s never been easier to find a loop near you. This year I take on the Manchester Backyard Ultra in October for its second year running.

European Scene: The Madeira Backyard Ultra saw elite runners like Adriano Furtado and Tiago Costa push past 30 loops, with registration for the November edition already nearly full.

World Championship Fever: The road to Big Dog’s Backyard in Tennessee is heating up. With national qualifiers and at large entries, the October showdown promises to be a battle of attrition.

The Mental Game

Backyard ultras are a masterclass in psychological warfare. You’re not really racing others you’re racing the clock, your stomach, your sleep-deprived brain, and that little voice in your head, whispering “just quit.” Success hinges on:

Micro-recovery: Use those precious minutes between loops wisely. Eat, hydrate, change socks, and reset. I aim for 45 minutes per loop, giving me 15 minutes to reset.

Loop Rituals: Many runners develop quirky habits to stay sane. I found myself picking a certain section of the route I would walk through and read the time out loud, a certain tree I would high five when I passed it. Whatever works for you.

Crew Support: A good support team is your lifeline. You’ll see them every hour and they’ll feed you, cheer you on, and tell you you’re not hallucinating (even when you are).

Not Just for the Elites

Sure, Belgium’s team shattered records in 2024 with 1,147 yards, but backyard ultras are built for every runner. Whether you’re chasing 12 loops or 100 miles, the format invites you to test your limits in a way few other race formats do.

2025 has proven that the backyard ultra isn’t just a quirky race, it’s a definite movement in the ultra-racing world. It’s where grit meets community, where the finish line is unknown, and where runners discover just how far they’re willing to go… one loop at a time.