Wild Isle Backyard Ultra

Question 1

What is a backyard ultra?

Accepted Answer

A backyard ultra is a running event where a new 4.167-mile lap—known as a “yard”—starts every hour, on the hour.

Complete your lap before the next start and use any remaining time to eat, rest and prepare. To continue, you must be back on the start line for the next bell.

Question 2

How far do I have to run?

Accepted Answer

You decide your target. One lap, your first ultra distance, a personal best or a last-person-standing attempt—it starts with getting through the next yard.

The full event has no fixed finishing distance or scheduled final hour.

Question 3

Do I have to run the whole lap?

Accepted Answer

You can run, jog or walk, provided you complete the marked course within the hour. Your pacing strategy is part of the challenge.

Question 4

What happens if I finish a lap early?

Accepted Answer

The remaining time is yours to recover at the event base. Refuel, change clothing, see your crew and get ready.

The next lap starts on the hour, regardless of when you finished.

Question 5

What happens if I miss the bell?

Accepted Answer

Your race ends if you fail to start the next yard at the scheduled time or complete a yard within the hour. Once you are out, you cannot skip a lap and rejoin. DNF is a right of passage at BYU

Question 6

How is the winner decided?

Accepted Answer

The winner must complete one more yard than every other runner. That means completing a final yard alone.

If the last remaining runner cannot complete that final yard, there is no winner.

Question 7

What is the Mini Backyard?

Accepted Answer

The Mini Backyard is your chance to take on the first seven bells, with a lower entry price and a maximum of seven yards.

You’ll use the same course and hourly starts as the full event. Complete all seven yards and you’ll cover approximately 29.17 miles.

Question 8

Can I upgrade from the Mini to the full event?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You can pay to upgrade on the day and continue beyond seven yards.

Speak to the event team and arrange your upgrade before the start of yard eight. You must still complete every yard within the hour and make every hourly start.

Question 9

Do I need to be an experienced ultra runner?

Accepted Answer

You don’t need to be chasing the win to take part. The format lets you work towards your own distance target, while the Mini offers a defined seven-yard challenge.

You do need to prepare for the distance, terrain and conditions you intend to tackle.

Question 10

Where does the event take place?

Accepted Answer

The Harvey Browns Backyard Ultra is based at Hale Manor Farm in the Arreton Valley, Isle of Wight, home to Harvey Browns.

The course returns to the event base every lap, so you’ll regularly come back to your supplies and support.

Question 11

What is the course like?

Accepted Answer

The proposed route explores the surrounding countryside and includes a section of the Sandown–Newport cyclepath.

The current route draft has approximately 72 metres of climbing per lap. The final measured course, surface details and route information will be confirmed before the event.

Question 12

Will I be running in the dark?

Accepted Answer

If you continue into the evening and overnight, yes. Prepare for darkness, changing temperatures and fatigue.

Lighting and any other mandatory equipment requirements will be confirmed in the participant information. Think Headtorch, waterproofs!

Question 13

Can I bring a support crew?

Accepted Answer

Crew arrangements, permitted numbers and available space will be confirmed in the event information but yes crew is actively encouraged - prep your food, change your water bottles and generally give you a good old slap on the back of encouragement.

Please make sure your supporters follow event and venue instructions and respect other runners, farm operations and members of the public.

Question 14

Can I bring a tent, gazebo or campervan?

Accepted Answer

We’ll confirm what shelters and vehicles can be accommodated, where they can go and whether advance booking is required - but yes, bring your kit...settle in for the duration, come for the yards and stay for the support.

Please check the published arrangements before bringing them.

Question 15

Will food, drinking water and toilets be available?

Accepted Answer

Full details of event facilities and refreshments will be published before race day but water will be available on site.

Harvey Browns has an existing food hall and kitchen, but please don’t assume these will remain open overnight with full details to be published in the new year.

Plan your own race nutrition!

Question 16

What if I want to stop?

Accepted Answer

Tell the event team as soon as you decide to withdraw, and check out before leaving the venue and pick up your DNF medal.

Its time to be proud of your DNF

Question 17

What if the weather is bad?

Accepted Answer

This is an outdoor endurance event, so prepare for rain, wind, mud, cold and changing conditions but its September so its going to be glorious!

We may alter, pause or stop the event if conditions create an unacceptable safety risk. Any changes will be communicated by the event team.

Wild Isle Backyard Ultra

Wild Isle Events

Wild Isle Backyard Ultra