Brace yourself for the ultimate endurance challenge, Mumbai! On February 1, 2025, we’re bringing the Backyard Ultra format to the Maximum City. Whether you’re new to the game or a seasoned ultra-marathoner, this one-of-a-kind event will push your physical and mental limits like never before. Get ready for a thrilling, loop-based race where survival isn’t just a word—it’s the only goal.
Categories: For the first time in Mumbai, we’re offering five distinct categories at the Backyard Ultra, each designed to challenge you in different ways:
- BACKYARD 4: Ideal for those wanting to dip their toes in the backyard ultra experience. You’ll run 4 loops (about 20 kilometers). It’s short but sweet—and challenging enough to give you a taste of the madness.
- BACKYARD 8: Want to push a bit further? The Backyard 8 gives you 8 hours to prove your grit. You’ll finish 8 loops, covering 50 kilometers. This category lets you experience the unique rhythm of backyard races while setting a solid distance goal.
- BACKYARD 15: Now we’re talking! Run for 15 hours and conquer 100 kilometers. This category is for those ready to push through the night and really test their endurance.
- BACKYARD 24: The coveted 100-mile badge awaits you! Tackle 24 loops over 24 hours to join the 100-miler club. You’ll be racing against time and the elements—come prepared for a battle that’s as mental as it is physical.
- SIGNATURE BACKYARD ULTRA: The crown jewel of the event—no finish line, no time limit, just you and the relentless challenge of being the Last Runner Standing. As long as you finish each loop within the hour, you get to keep going. The race ends only when there’s one person left standing. Will it be you?
The Format: Last Runner Standing
This isn’t your typical race. There’s no sprinting for the finish line, no fixed distance to complete. The Backyard Ultra format is simple yet brutal:
- Every runner starts at the same time, running the same 6.7 kilometer loop.
- Finish the loop within 60 minutes, and you earn a spot back at the starting line for the next loop.
- Fall behind, miss the cutoff, or fail to start the next loop? You’re out. It’s as simple as that.
- The Last Runner Standing wins. Everyone else gets a DNF (Did Not Finish).
Inspired by the Legend: A Global Phenomenon
This unique race format was created by the legendary Gary “Lazarus Lake” Cantrell, the mastermind behind Big’s Backyard Ultra in Tennessee. Since its inception, the Backyard Ultra format has taken the global ultrarunning community by storm, with races held across the world, culminating in the Backyard Ultra World Championship. Now, Mumbai’s runners get a chance to experience this phenomenon right here in their own city!
The Big Prize:
- Silver Ticket Winner: The overall winner of the Backyard Ultra category will earn the Silver Ticket to the prestigious Big’s Backyard Ultra Satellite World Championship 2024. That’s right, a chance to represent India on the global stage!
- Bronze Ticket Opportunity: The top finisher in the Backyard 24 category who completes all 24 loops will earn a Bronze Ticket and be eligible to compete in the National Championship. If fewer than 15 seats are filled in the championship, top performers from Backyard races across India will be invited based on their performance in the 24-hour category.
Mumbai Backyard Ultra: Race Rules & Format
We take our rules seriously—so should you! Here’s everything you need to know before you toe the starting line:
The Start:
- Mumbai Backyard Ultra kicks off at 7:00 am sharp on Saturday, February 1, 2025.
- Each loop will start precisely on the hour. You have 60 minutes to complete the loop and get back to the starting corral for the next one.
- Be late? It’s a DNF. No exceptions.
The Loop:
- The loop is 6.7 kilometers long.
- You must complete each loop within 60 minutes to stay in the race. If you fail to finish within the time limit, you are out of the race.
The Corral:
- Every time you finish a loop within the allotted hour, you return to the starting corral.
- You have the remaining time of the hour to rest, refuel, and prepare for the next loop.
- The next loop starts exactly on the hour—don’t be late, or you’re out!
Race Rules for ALL Categories (Backyard 4, 8, 15, 24, and Ultra):
- No pacing is allowed—runners must complete each loop independently.
- Artificial aids like trekking poles or other support gear are not allowed.
- Runners must stick to the marked course and can only receive aid in designated areas. Venturing off-course will result in disqualification.
- All participants—regardless of category—must start at 7:00 am sharp. There are no staggered starts.
- Runners in fixed-hour categories (Backyard 4, 8, 15) will be timed, and only 24-hour participants are eligible for the National Championship. However, those in the shorter categories can use this as an opportunity to experience the Backyard Ultra format before moving up to bigger challenges next year.
Support Crew:
- Minimal support is allowed between loops.
- Your crew can only assist you in designated areas (at the Start/Finish) between loops.
- No outside assistance is permitted during the loop—crew members, friends, or family cannot enter the course while a loop is in progress.
Hydration & Nutrition:
- BYO Hydration: This is a cupless race, so bring your own hydration system (bottle, hydration pack, or cup) to refill at aid stations.
- Basic nutrition like water, electrolyte drinks, and light snacks will be provided at the Start/Finish area.
Gear:
- Mandatory Gear: Headlamp, reflective vest or tape (at least 20 sq. inches), and hydration system (minimum 200ml capacity).
- Recommended Gear: Spare batteries for headlamp, warm clothing, blanket, tent for resting between loops, and chair.
Course Access:
- The course is open to the public, so be respectful of other trail users.
- Only active runners and race officials are allowed on the course while the race is in progress. Crew members and eliminated runners must wait at the designated Start/Finish area.
Littering is a NO-NO:
- This is an eco-friendly event. Littering will result in immediate disqualification. Dispose of any trash responsibly, or take it with you!
The DNF Memento:
- Didn’t make the cutoff? No problem. You’ll leave with a cool DNF Memeto, a reminder of your epic attempt.
Final Notes:
- This is a non-transferable event. If you register, it’s you who’s running!
- The race will be well-marked—stay on course, and don’t take any shortcuts (or face disqualification).
- No smoking or alcohol consumption is allowed at the race site or during the race.
Logistics & Facilities:
- There will be basic toilet facilities available at the race venue.
- Limited space for tents will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Runners are responsible for their own meals and snacks, so come prepared.
Whether you’re out to conquer 4 loops or 24, this race will challenge you in ways you never imagined. Join us on February 1, 2025, for the Mumbai Backyard Ultra and see just how long you can last!
