Rasselbock Hardwick Hall Backyard Ultra

Rasselbock Hardwick Hall Backyard Ultra

Forget everything you know about traditional ultra marathons. There’s no finish line to chase, no total distance to conquer. There is only one question: can you complete one more lap?

Welcome to the Rasselbock Hardwick Hall Backyard Ultra, an event that strips running back to its purest form. This is a test of sheer willpower, pacing and grit, set against the stunning backdrop of one of England’s most magnificent Elizabethan country houses.

Backyard Ultra Format

Every hour, on the hour, you’ll set off on a 4.167 mile loop through the glorious grounds of the Hardwick Hall estate. The course is a beautiful mix of woodland trails, open paths and tracks that wind their way through the historic Derbyshire landscape. You’ll become intimately familiar with every twist and turn as you complete the lap, time and time again.

As day turns to night and potentially back to day again, you'll experience the estate in a way few ever do. The challenge isn't the terrain itself, but your ability to manage your time, your nutrition, and your mind. You must be back in the starting corral before the hour is up, ready for the bell to ring again. If you’re not, your race is over.

The beauty of the backyard format is that it’s not about being the fastest. It’s about being the most resilient. It’s a running-focused camping weekend where a community of like-minded people gathers to push their limits together. The atmosphere is famously supportive, with cheers for every runner who heads out for another lap.

This race continues until only one runner can complete a final loop solo. That person is the winner. Everyone else is a "Did Not Finish" – and wears that DNF with a true badge of honour, knowing they gave everything they had.

If you want to discover what you are truly capable of, this is the place to find out. Visit the official race website for full and up-to-date details.