God's Own Backyard Ultra! What is a Backyard Ultra? Crewing a Runner. Backyard Ultra in Leeds. - Nicola Runs

Intro This is a quick summary of God’s Own Backyard Ultra! What is a Backyard Ultra? Crewing a Runner. Backyard Ultra in Leeds from Nicola Runs. It’s a great watch — we’re breaking it down so you can try the backyard ultra concept today. Be sure to check out the full video for all the details.

Key Points

• A Backyard Ultra consists of a 6,706‑meter (≈4.2 mi) loop that must be completed once every hour. Runners may finish the loop any time within the hour, then must be ready at the start line when the next hour’s bell rings.
• The distance was chosen by dividing 100 miles by 24 hours (average pace 100 mi/24 h ≈ 4.2 mi/h). You can run the loop fast or slow, as long as you’re back before the bell.
• Timing cues: whistles at 3 min, 2 min, 1 min, then the bell. Runners have roughly 11 minutes to finish the loop after the previous bell.
• The race continues until only one runner completes a lap; all others receive a DNF when they cannot finish the loop in time.
• The course in Leeds is a trail loop during the day (Bramley Fall woods) and a nighttime loop along the Leeds‑Liverpool canal, roughly a 4.2‑mile out‑and‑back loop.

Workout Example

1. Warm‑up: 10‑min easy jog.
2. Backyard Ultra Loop: Run 6,706 m (≈4.2 mi) as quickly as you can while staying under the hourly limit (≈11 min for most runners). Aim for a pace around 4 min / mi (or adjust to your fitness level).
3. Recovery: After finishing, rest (or walk) until the next hour’s bell. Use this time for hydration, nutrition, and a quick mental reset.
4. Repeat: Continue each hour until you decide to stop or you miss the bell. You can track each lap in the Pacing app and adjust the pace to stay comfortable.

Practical Tips

• Keep a timer or watch with a countdown to the hourly bell; the whistles help you gauge how much time you have left.
• Hydration & fuel: Bring a hot food container (like the creator’s chips and hot water bottles) to keep runners warm and fed during long nights.
• Mental strategy: Treat each lap as a mini‑race; focus on the next hour rather than the whole event.
• Safety: Run in well‑lit sections or wear a headlamp for night laps; stay warm and watch for weather changes.

Closing Note Give the Backyard Ultra a try—adjust the distance or hour‑interval to match your own pacing in the Pacing app, and see how many laps you can conquer! Good luck, and enjoy the challenge! 🚀

References

• God’s Own Backyard Ultra! What is a Backyard Ultra? Crewing a Runner. Backyard Ultra in Leeds. - YouTube (YouTube Video)

Workout - Backyard Ultra Simulation

• 12min @ 8'30''/km
• 3 lots of:
  • 6.7km @ 7'00''/km
  • 12min rest
• 8min @ 8'30''/km

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