The Backyard
Ultra Format
Backyard Ultra Information
The Official Backyard Ultra Format
Four Events Across Kent
All Kent Backyard Ultras are official.
Your results are recorded globally,
with the opportunity to progress to events such as Big Dog’s Backyard Ultra.
The format stays the same.
Each event presents a different challenge.
The Kent Backyard Ultra Series consists of four events held at different locations across Kent throughout the year. Each event takes place under different conditions, including day and night starts and changing seasons, meaning each event presents a different challenge.
Event Details Below
CHOOSE YOUR WAY IN
BACKYARD ULTRA
The official Backyard Ultra format.
A last person standing competition.
4.167 miles, every hour, on the hour.
Finish within the hour and earn the right to go again.
Miss the bell and you’re out.
Only the last person standing finishes. Everyone else gets a DNF.
There’s more than one way to step into the arena.
Pick your route and see where it takes you.
7-HR CHALLENGE
The 7 Hour Challenge.
Your entry into the Backyard Ultra.
4.167 miles, every hour, on the hour.
Run alongside the full event for up to 7 hours.
Finish within the hour and earn the right to go again.
Miss the bell and you’re out.
Your entry is limited to 7 hours.
HELLFIRE CREW
The Hellfire Crew.
Step into the event from the other side.
Be part of the team that keeps the yards moving.
Support runners when it matters.
Experience the event in a different way.
Join a community YOU'LL WANT TO COME BACK TO.
Kent Backyard Ultra Series ii
2.1. Bedgebury — THE START
- Date: 16th October 2026
- Start Time: 9:00pm
- Location: Vigo Rugby Club, Harvel Road, Meopham,
- Kent, DA13 0UA
- Night Route Ascent: 102 metres
- Day Route Ascent: 149 metres
- Course Record: 28 Yards Andy Imms
Vigo is the trail runner’s round. Muddy woodland, North Downs Way sections, and enough bite underfoot to humble anyone who turns up thinking it will be easy.
OCTOBER 16TH 2026 - VIGO
KENT BACKYARD ULTRA SERIES II
2.1. KENT BACKYARD ULTRA SERIES II
2.1. VIGO - THE START
- Date: 16th OCTOBER 2026
- Start Time: 9:00pm
- Location: Vigo Village
- Ascent Night: 102 METRES
- Ascent Day: 154 METRES
- Course Record: Andy Imms - 28 Yards
The route features a mix of woodland trails and open paths through Trosley Country Park and along the North Downs Way. Most of the ascent is concentrated within a short section, making it easier to pace.
Backyard Ultra Information
The Official Backyard Ultra Format
Four Events Across Kent
2.2. KENT BACKYARD ULTRA SERIES II
2.2. DOVER - THE COLD
- Date: 9th JANUARY 2027
- Start Time: 9:00am
- Location: Dover
- Ascent Day: - 118 METRES
- Ascent Night: - 114 METRES
- Course Record: Josh Woods - 33 Yards
The route features a mix of muddy trails, exposed farmland, and private roads above Farthingloe Valley. The course remains highly runnable throughout, but winter weather, wind exposure, and changing ground conditions can have a significant impact as the hours pass.
2.3. KENT BACKYARD ULTRA SERIES II
2.3. Sholden - Nowhere to hide
- Date: 10th April 2027
- Start Time: 9:00am
- Location: Lillyroo's Campsite, Sholden
- Ascent: - 8 Metres
- Course Record: Luke Carter - 41 yards
The route follows a flat, out-and-back gravel trail across open coastal marshland. With just 8 metres of ascent per yard, it is simple, runnable and easy to follow, but the exposed course becomes a serious mental test as the hours build.
2.4. KENT BACKYARD ULTRA SERIES II
2.4. BEDGEBURY - WHERE IT'S DECIDED
- Date: 16th JUL7 2027
- Start Time: 9:00pm
- Location: Bedgebury National Pine Forest
- Ascent: - 94 Metres
- Course Record: Josh Woods - 30 Yards
The route follows woodland trails and gravel tracks through Bedgebury National Pinetum & Forest. Starting at 9:00pm just before sunset, runners set off into the trees as the light begins to fade. Undulating terrain and changing surfaces create a varied course for the final event of Series II.
Step back inside the Hellfire Arena
Kent Backyard Ultra Series Gallery
Every hour the bell rings.
Every hour the runners step back into the Hellfire Arena.
One yard at a time.
The photos inside the gallery capture the moments that define the Kent Backyard Ultra Series.
Find your moment.
Hundreds of photos from across the Kent Backyard Ultra Series.
HELLFIRE COMMUNITY
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