Gravel & Grit: Bristol Backyard Ultra 2027

Event format
This is an official Backyard Ultra
• Run a 6.7056 km (4.167 mile) loop every hour, on the hour. Finish within the hour to continue, be in the starting corral on the next hour - miss this and your race is over
• The last runner standing completes a solo final loop and is the only person to finish the race
• Beginner and first-time ultra runners are more than welcome. You will never be alone on course — support is around every hour

Start time
• Saturday 1st May 2027
• Blaise Castle Estate, Bristol
• Full event-day timings will be shared closer to race day
• Prepare for an epic day (and maybe night! And maybe following day...) of trail running

Course
• Woodland trails
• Flowing singletrack
• Open green spaces with short climbs and varied terrain
• The format of a Backyard Ultra is, by nature, beginner friendly as you only run the number of loops that you want to. However, Blaise Castle Estate is hilly, rocky and rooty. You will need a degree of grit to run into the night and beyond

Support & Basecamp
• Basecamp at start/finish - for your kit, chair, marquee, between-loop recovery, friends and family
• Crew and spectators encouraged — the more cheering, the better
• Aid station with water, hot drinks, and snacks (please don't solely rely on this) 
• Personal fuelling strategy needs to be pracitced during training and work for you 

Kit Requirements
• Head torches mandatory during the night
• Be prepared for trail running, changing weather, and overnight conditions if you plan to go deep
• Chair or small tent/shelter recommended for between-loops. A 'crewless crew' marquee will be available for those running solo, last year this was a huge success and those using the space were crewless no more
• Final mandatory kit requirements will be confirmed closer to race day
• Running poles are strictly prohibited

Timing & Safety
• Warnings will be given 3, 2 and 1 minutes before each lap starts
• The route will be clearly signposted. Marshals will be out on course for the first three loops
• Electronic chip timing
• Professional medical team on site
• Security will be present during the night to ensure your belongings at basecamp are safe

Withdrawal
• Runners may withdraw at any point - please notify the Race Director or a marshall in the registration marquee

Minimum Age
• Participants must be 20 years or older on race day to comply with our insurance policy

Refunds, Transfers & Event Cancellation

We understand that plans change. Our policy aligns with industry standard, it is designed to be fair while recognising the upfront costs of organising the event

Refunds:

• More than 6 weeks before the event:
  75% refund of entry fee
• 4–6 weeks before the event:
  50% refund of entry fee
• 2–4 weeks before the event:
  25% refund of entry fee
• Less than 14 days before the event:
  No refunds available

Deferrals:

Runners can defer the entry, up until 4 weeks before the event, by emailing the race organiser. All deferrals will be subject to the following:

• it can be deferred to next year’s Bristol Backyard Ultra only  
• it cannot be deferred again  
• it is non-refundable  

Name Transfers:

• Permitted up to 14 days before the event
• Transfers must be completed via RaceNation
• The original entrant is responsible for arranging the transfer

Event Cancellation:

• If the event is cancelled due to licensing or site permissions, a full refund will be issued

Force Majeure:

• In the event of circumstances beyond our control (e.g. extreme weather, public health restrictions), we reserve the right to:
  • Offer a partial refund, transfer, or deferral
  • Retain a portion of the entry fee to cover non-recoverable costs

Admin Fees
• RaceNation admin fees are added at checkout