Event Overview

• Event: 1.4 Kent Backyard Ultra
• Date: Friday 26 June 2026
• Start Time: 21:00 (night start)
• Location: The Walled Garden, Lady Oak Road, Bedgebury National Pinetum, TN17 2SJ
• Ascent per yard: approximately 90 metres
• Capacity: 120 runners

This is the final event of Series 1.

Event Schedule

• Site Opens: 17:00
• Registration Opens: 19:30
• Registration Closes: 20:30
• Pre-Race Safety Briefing: 20:30
• Start: 21:00

Registration and the pre-race safety briefing are mandatory.
No late arrivals will be permitted.

Travel & Access

All access is via the Walled Garden at Bedgebury National Pinetum.

• What3Words: ///heartless.tenses.churn

By Car

• Located just off the A21 near Goudhurst
• Parking within the Walled Garden is included in your entry
• The main Bedgebury car park closes at 20:00 and is chargeable
• All vehicles are parked at your own risk
• Campervans permitted on a first come, first served basis
• Access to your vehicle between yards is available

By Train

• Nearest stations: Etchingham and Tunbridge Wells
• Approximately 15–25 minutes by taxi
• No direct public transport to the site

The Venue

Bedgebury provides a forest setting with wide, open trails through the National Pinetum.

The route is designed to be consistent underfoot, with rolling elevation rather than steep climbs. Early yards may feel controlled, but the challenge builds over time.

The Format

• One 4.167 mile yard every hour
• Yards start on the hour, every hour
• Each yard must be completed within 60 minutes
• Runners return to the start area ready to go again

If a yard is not completed in time, or the next yard is not started, participation ends.

The event continues until only one runner completes a yard on their own.

Start Procedure

Each yard begins on the hour, every hour:

• 3 minutes to go: 3 whistles
• 2 minutes to go: 2 whistles
• 1 minute to go: 1 whistle
• All runners to the start corral
• Bell on the hour

All runners must be in the start corral before the bell.
Late starts are not permitted.

Course Information

• Out-and-back route
• 4.167 miles per yard
• Approx. 90m ascent per yard
• Mixed terrain: gravel and grass
• Wide, runnable forest trails
• Same route used for both day and night

The course remains open to the public.
Please be courteous and stay on the marked route at all times.

Lighting

• A suitable hands-free light source is required from the start
• Headtorches are recommended, but chest-mounted lights are permitted
• Backup light strongly advised

Mobile phones will not be suitable as a primary light source.

All crew must also have lighting.

Night Running & Safety

• Marshals will be positioned on course throughout
• Bike marshals will operate during night hours
• Marshals will be wearing Hellfire branded high-visibility vests

If you would like a night running buddy, please let the team know.

Crew & Conduct

• Crew support is permitted at basecamp only
• No assistance is permitted on course
• Crew must not enter the course unless instructed by event staff
• Respect other runners, staff, and the venue

Basecamp

• Access to your kit, nutrition, and crew
• Access to your vehicle between yards

No shared covered area will be provided.

If shelter is required, bring:

• A gazebo
• A tent
• Or use your vehicle

Keep basecamp tidy and your personal area as compact as possible.

Self-Supported & Cupless

This is a self-supported, cupless event.

Participants must bring:

• Their own hydration system
• Their own nutrition

No food or disposable cups will be provided.

Facilities

• Cold drinking water
• Hot water
• Tea and coffee
• Oat milk and soy milk
• Microwave access
• A small selection of juices

There is a café located within Bedgebury National Pinetum.

• Approximately a 10-minute walk from basecamp
• Not accessible during yards

Toilets

• Separate male and female toilets are available at basecamp
• Toilets are also available on route
• Accessible on both out and back sections

Camping

• Tents and gazebos permitted
• All structures must be secured in line with manufacturer guidelines

Requirements

• Keep your area tidy
• Take all rubbish home
• No open fires
• Quiet consideration overnight

Event Partners

Enduo Sports Nutrition (Discount Code: HELLFIRE15)

• Providing spot prizes
• Supplying a goody bag for the winners

Fenix Lighting UK (Discount Code: HF10)

• Providing two headtorches for the Fenix “Into the Light” Award

The Fenix award is given during the night phase of the event:

• Award yard: 3:00 AM – 4:00 AM
• Awarded to the first male and first female back during that yard

Awards

• Complete 1 yard: DNF Medal
• 24 yards completed: Bronze Buckle
• Assist (2nd overall): Silver Buckle
• Last One Standing: Gold Buckle
• Most yards completed across the series: Black Buckle

Silver, Gold, and Black Buckles are awarded to both male and female categories.

Event Safety

Participants are responsible for monitoring their condition and making safe decisions throughout.

The event will take place in most weather conditions. Be prepared for changing conditions, including heat, cold, and rain.

If assistance is required, return to basecamp or contact Race HQ.

Mobile signal may be limited within the forest.

Do not drive if fatigued. Plan your journey home.

Timing & Results

• Chip timing provided by Krono Sports
• Bib numbers must be worn and visible at all times

Results are based on total yards completed.

Event Outcome

The event continues until only one runner completes a yard on their own.

That runner is the Last One Standing.

All other participants are recorded based on total yards completed.

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