O-SEE Backyard Ultra 2026
The 6th edition of the O-SEE Backyard Ultra takes place on July 11-12, 2026, in Zittau/Oberlausitz, Germany. This event is a 'Silver Ticket Race' limited to 200 runners and offers direct qualification for the German Championship in October 2026.
What is a Backyard Ultra?
The Backyard Ultra format is an elimination race, 'last man standing'. All participants start a new lap at the beginning of each hour. The original format from Tennessee has each lap at 4.166 miles (approximately 6.7 km). Each runner has 60 minutes to complete the lap and can use the remaining time to rest, eat, or prepare for the next round. The race continues until only one runner is willing to start the next lap within the time limit. The winner is not necessarily the fastest, but the one with the most endurance.
The Course
The course is a 6.7056-kilometer loop with an elevation gain of 40 meters. Runners will follow a scenic path around the Olbersdorfer See. The start and finish line are located at the Westparkstadion in Zittau/Pethau. The course will be clearly marked with arrows, signs, and tape, and illuminated at night.
The Winner
The winner is the runner who completes the final lap within the time limit. All other participants are ranked as DNF (Did Not Finish). The results list will show the total distance covered. In case of an equal number of laps completed, the total running time will determine the placement. If no runner finishes the last lap within the time limit, there will be no winner. The winner of the O-SEE Backyard Ultra 2026 will be directly qualified for the German Championship in October 2026. The German Champion will then start at the World Championship in Tennessee, USA, in October 2027. The race has a DUV license and counts towards official standings. All results will be published on Facebook (@oseebackyardultra) and https://o-see-backyard.de.
Rules
- Start/Finish: Westparkstadion Zittau/Pethau.
- Each runner will be provided with space for a chair/lounger near the start area (first come – first served).
- Runners who give up must vacate their spot in the start zone, allowing remaining runners to move closer.
- Each new lap begins exactly 60 minutes (BY-Kids 10 Min.) after the start of the previous round.
- A whistle signal will sound 3 minutes, 2 minutes, and 1 minute before the start. Runners not present in the start area on time will be disqualified (DNF).
- All runners must start exactly when the bell rings.
- Runners may not leave the course, except for restroom breaks.
- Personal support is not allowed along the course, except for BY-Kids.
- The distance bell can be rung upon reaching a new personal backyard record.
- Aid, poles, etc., are not permitted.