Rasselbock Backyard Ultra – Hardwick Hall 2026
Saturday 5th September 2026
We’re returning to Hardwick Hall next September for our newest BYU. We’ll be camped out right in the footprint of the hall itself and you’ll be taking on the grounds and estates farmlands. Worried about the hills? No need, we have found a few routes that will be even flatter than Sherwood Pines!
In 2025 we sold 190 places and had a little over 200 on the wait list, so I wouldn’t wait too long to grab a place!
The BYU premise is simple: the event has no fixed length in time or distance; you just have to run the same 4.161-mile loop every hour and you run until you can’t run anymore. The winner is found when they are the last runner standing. The event may last 10 hours or it may last 80 hours, you just never know what will happen in a Backyard Ultra.
We listened to this year’s feedback and are scrapping the night loop and sticking to one sole route around the estate in 2026.
Welcome to our 8th Rasselbock Backyard Ultra, this time at the stunning Hardwick Hall Estate!
For those who have not taken part in a backyard ultra before then, you’re in for a treat. It is a last-person-standing event where you must begin a new lap on the hour, every hour. The race will only end when there is just one more runner remaining to start a lap. It’s sure to be an exciting and enjoyable event for runners and spectators alike with all the emotions guaranteed.
We want to make our Backyard Ultra one of the best in the world, where everyone wants to come and race. We want it to go on and on (although don’t quote me on that after 60 hours!) with each event lasting as many laps as humanly possible. To achieve this we will be offering a discount to anyone who has completed a backyard within the last two years and lasted more than 40 Yards (40 hours, 40 laps). The further you have run the bigger discount we can offer.
If you’re an elite backyarder, then drop me an email before signing up.
Whilst we do want to attract runners who can compete for days, we also want to stress that this event is open to everyone, especially if you haven’t taken part in a Backyard before. You will have so much support from myself, the team, and volunteers, as well as other runners. Our Autumn 2025 backyard boasted over 68% first time backyarders!
If you have been to one of our events in the past then you’ll know how much support we give to every runner no matter your goal. The format for this event may be different but the love and support from everyone else will always be the same.
Event FAQs
What are the specific rules regarding the Backyard Ultra?
- The course will be at least 4.16 miles long.
- The starting corral will stay the same size throughout the event. When the bell rings at the start of the lap on the hour then you must be inside the starting corral. If you are not then you’ll receive a DNF and not be allowed to continue.
- Each loop starts precisely 1 hour after the last, and warnings will be given at 3, 2, and 1 minute prior to the start of the lap. All competitors must start at the bell (no late starts). Each loop must be completed within an hour to be counted… including the final lap.
- Except for restrooms, competitors may not leave the course until each loop is completed
- No non-competitors on the course (including eliminated runners) and no personal aid is allowed during the loop. This includes being passed items or handing a jacket back to your support team, once inside the corral or the next lap has begun. You can only have assistance between finishing one lap and entering the starting corral for the next lap. Once the runner starts the lap they must be fully by themse