Beecraigs Backyard Ultra – How Far Will You Go?
Back by popular demand. 🏆
The Beecraigs Backyard Ultra returns to Beecraigs Country Park, West Lothian on Saturday 24th April 2027 — and after a sell-out first year, we can't wait to do it all again.
In 2026, Craig McQueen became the first ever Last One Standing at Beecraigs, completing an incredible 34 loops — that's 142 miles through Scottish forest and lochside trails. Christine Caldwell pushed him every step of the way, earning the assist with 33. The standard has been set. Think you've got what it takes?
This event isn't about how fast you can go. It's about how long you're willing to keep going. Runners complete a 4.167-mile loop every hour, on the hour, until only one remains. Finish your loop, rest, reset… and go again.
No set finish line. No fancy finishing tape. Just the drive to push your limits and the chance to be the last one standing.
Race Day Details
- Start time: 11:00am
- Venue opens: 7:00am, 24th April
- Registration: from 7:00am
- Race Briefing: 10:30am
This is the Beecraigs Backyard Ultra — Scotland's Central Belt entry in the global Backyard Ultra family.
❓ What Is a Backyard Ultra?
A Backyard Ultra strips racing back to its rawest form. No set distance. No easy way out.
At 11:00am sharp, everyone sets off together on a 4.167-mile loop — started, in true Beecraigs tradition, with the Race Director taking a bite of a banana 🍌 (if you know, you know). Finish within the hour, and you earn the right to start the next lap. And the next. And the one after that.
Don't make it back in time? You're out. Not in the corral when the bell goes? You're out.
The race ends only when the last runner standing completes a solo lap. Everyone else is a DNF — but everyone goes home with a medal. 🏅
What's Included?
Your entry covers:
- Race participation and timing
- Parking for one vehicle (see Parking notes below)
- Access to camping area (tent or small shelter)
- Hot water, tea & coffee provisions (bring your own reusable cup — this is non-negotiable! ♻️)
- Basic snacks for self-supported runners
- Toilets
- Live results and lap tracking
- Finisher's medal for every participant
- Trophy for the Last One Standing and the Assist
📍 Location
Beecraigs Country Park, near Linlithgow, West Lothian, Scotland
Nestled in the Bathgate Hills, Beecraigs offers forest trails, wildlife, and wide open skies — and in April, everything from crisp spring mornings to dark, moody night loops. Just 30 minutes from Edinburgh and easily accessible from across Scotland.
We'll send out detailed directions, site access info, and GPS links in your final race pack.
🏃 Course Info
Each lap is 4.167 miles (6.7km) — the official Backyard Ultra distance — with approximately 150m of elevation per loop. The route follows a mix of forest trail, gravel paths, and undulating woodland tracks.
Runnable, scenic, and just hilly enough to keep you honest. Ask Craig.
The loop is the same every hour. Route markings will be clear and consistent. GPX and Strava links will be published ahead of the event.
⛺ Camping + Parking
Camping Each runner has access to a tent or small shelter space in the camping zone. Please note that open flames and camping stoves are strictly prohibited on site — this is a Park health and safety requirement, no exceptions. If you need a hot meal, plan accordingly before or after the event.
A small area is available for solo runners without crew. If you need this space, please email us ahead of the event to registe