Red On Backyard Ultra Cheltenham

Red On Backyard Ultra: The Cheltenham Endurance Test

Stand on the start line, wait for the bell and get ready to go "Red On". Brought to you by the team at Red On, this Backyard Ultra brings the ultimate test of human resilience to the beautiful surroundings of Cheltenham Racecourse.

Built on an ethos of grit, determination and pushing far beyond perceived physical limits, the Red On Backyard Ultra is a raw, uncompromising Last One Standing event. Whether you are aiming to hit your very first ultra-marathon milestone or you are a seasoned multi-day veteran looking to battle it out into a second night, this is the perfect arena to test your resolve.

The Backyard Format

If you have never experienced a Backyard Ultra (BYU) before, the rules are beautifully simple but psychologically demanding:

• The Loop: The course is a set circuit measuring exactly 4.167 miles (6.706 kilometres).
• The Time Limit: You have exactly 60 minutes to complete the loop and be back in the starting corral.
• The Bell: Every hour, on the hour, the starting bell rings. If you are not in the starting pen ready to run when it chimes, you are eliminated.
• The Result: The race continues indefinitely until only one runner remains to complete a final lap solo. Everyone else, regardless of whether they ran 20 miles or 100 miles, receives a DNF (Did Not Finish).

The true battle of the BYU is not speed, it is time management. Run a lap in 40 minutes, and you earn 20 minutes to rest, eat, and regroup. Run it in 58 minutes, and you have barely two minutes to catch your breath before the bell rings again.

What truly distinguishes Red On is its disciplined, military-grade execution. Hosted within the legendary grounds of Cheltenham Racecourse, the Red On BYU features a completely self-contained, clearly signposted and expertly marshalled route inside a historic sporting venue. Competitors will have to conquer intense exhaustion and sleep deprivation alongside the famously unpredictable British weather, all whilst immersing themselves in the unique camaraderie that binds the backyard ultra community together.

If you want to find out exactly what you are made of in a highly supportive, fiercely determined environment, the Red On Backyard Ultra in Cheltenham is calling your name. Visit the official race website for registration details and the latest info.