Resolute Backyard Ultra

Resolute Backyard Ultra - Last Person Standing

Organised by Resolute Running, the Resolute Backyard Ultra brings the popular "Last One Standing" format to the beautiful woodland trails of Delamere Forest in Cheshire.

Built on the organiser's core mission of promoting community, mental health and the power of movement, this event is designed to be inclusive of all abilities. Whether you are aiming to push past your first half-marathon or you are a seasoned endurance athlete looking to run deep into a second day, this Backyard Ultra provides a highly supportive environment to test your limits.

Understanding the Backyard Ultra Format

If you are new to the Backyard Ultra concept, the rules are straightforward but relentlessly demanding. It is an event that tests pacing, nutrition, and mental resilience far more than outright speed.

• The Distance: Participants run a set looped course measuring exactly 4.167 miles (6.706 kilometres).
• The Clock: You have exactly 60 minutes to complete the loop and return to the starting corral.
• The Bell: Every hour, exactly on the hour, the starting bell rings. If you are not standing in the starting pen ready to run when it chimes, you are eliminated.
• The Strategy: Speed does not matter. The faster you finish a loop, the more time you have to rest and eat, but the more energy you may burn. The slower you run, the less time you have to recover before the next bell.
• The Winner: The race continues indefinitely until only one runner remains to complete a final solo lap. Everyone else receives a DNF (Did Not Finish), regardless of the mileage they achieved.

Course

The route at Delamere Forest provides a scenic and engaging backdrop, which is essential when you are running the exact same loop every hour.

• The Terrain: The course utilises the established woodland paths of the forest. Runners can expect a mixture of hard-packed gravel trails, forest tracks, and potentially muddy sections depending on the weather. A comfortable trail shoe is highly recommended.
• The Elevation: The route features approximately 232 ft (70 metres) of elevation gain per loop. While this might seem minimal on a single lap, the climbing will compound significantly over multiple hours, requiring a sensible walking strategy on the inclines to preserve your legs.
• The Basecamp: The start/finish area serves as the event village. Runners are permitted to set up their own personal aid stations (such as a small tent or gazebo) near the corral. This area becomes your vital sanctuary to rest, eat, and change gear during your downtime.

A Backyard Ultra is the ultimate equaliser in trail running, and Resolute Running places a strong emphasis on community support. You should run this event because it removes the isolation and pressure of strict cut-off times associated with traditional point-to-point races. Elite 100 mile runners share the exact same start line every hour with those attempting their first ultra distance. For full race info and registration details, please visit the official Resolute Backyard Ultra website.