Kent Backyard Ultra Bedgebury

Kent Backyard Ultra - Bedgebury

How far can you go? Find out at the grand finale of the Kent Backyard Ultra Series in the magnificent Bedgebury National Pinetum & Forest. This summer evening race offers a unique and unforgettable test of endurance, set on beautiful, rolling forest trails.

Organised by Hellfire Events, this is the fourth and final round of the series. It’s your last chance to add yards to your series total or to simply take on the unique challenge of a backyard ultra in one of the South East's most iconic locations. Can you be the last one standing under the stars?

How does a backyard ultra work?

The concept of a backyard ultra is beautifully simple, yet brutally effective. Runners must complete a 4.167-mile (6.7km) loop, known as a 'yard', every hour, on the hour.

• When the bell rings at the top of the hour, a new loop begins.
• You must finish the loop and be back in the starting area before the next hour starts.
• Any time left over is yours to rest, refuel, and prepare to go again.
• If you fail to be in the starting corral for the bell, your race is over.
• The race continues, hour after hour, until only one runner completes a solo loop to be crowned the winner.

The format is famously sociable. With no advantage to being "fast," runners naturally form groups, sharing stories and encouragement as they tick off the yards together.

Course

The Bedgebury course is designed to be runnable and rhythmic, allowing you to get into a groove and keep pushing through the night and into the next day. The out-and-back route follows wide, well-maintained gravel forest trails with a gentle, rolling 93 metres (305ft) of ascent per yard. The single route for both day and night running makes navigation simple, even when fatigue begins to bite.

This is your chance to be part of a truly special event. The night-time start creates a magical atmosphere as a train of headtorches snakes through the forest. It’s a race where personal goals are forged and celebrated by the whole community. Every runner who completes at least one yard receives a Kent Backyard Ultra medal, while prestigious buckles are on offer for the 100-mile finishers, the "Assist" (runner-up), and the overall Last One Standing.

For for details on the Bedgebury Kent Backyard Ultra, please visit the official race website.