Your Questions Answered.

What is a Backyard Ultra?

Great question and glad you asked! The Backyard Ultra or Last One Standing is a race format that the great Gary "Laz" Cantrell dreamt up. Laz, yes the man behind the great Barkley Marathon (A must watch documentary). The idea was for runners to take on a course of exactly 4.167 miles, every hour, on the hour. If a runner failed to complete the "yard" in the hour they would drop out - DNF. So, in effect as the hours roll on, so the numbers reduce...

If you survive for 24 yards you will have completed 100 miles in 24 hours.

Why a Crapaud?

So, as Guernsey was ahead of us Jersey folk and brought in the Donkey Drop Out, it seemed the right thing to do and keep our friendly rivalry alive. Guernsey residents are known as Donkeys and Jersey folk, Crapauds or toads. In Jersey we have resident and native toads or in the Patois "crapauds".We are also sometimes known as Beans...but they are just not built for Backyard Ultras!

Who is the Winner?

The last one standing! When the race gets down to two runners, whoever drops, leaves the victor.

How far do we have to run and how long does it run for?

That is the whole point...we just do not know! We know that each lap is 4.167 miles and each yard has a one hour cut off (on the hour, not your stopwatch)  but who knows who will keep on trotting. For example Australian ultra-runner Phil Gore set the men's backyard ultra world record at the Dead Cow Gully event in Queensland, Australia, completing 119 consecutive 6.7 km (4.167 mi) laps, totaling 495.87 miles (798 km) on 26 June 2025. Whilst, The women's backyard ultra world record is held by Sarah Perry, who completed 95 laps (395.8 miles / 637 km) at Big's Backyard Ultra Individual World Championship in Tennessee in October 2025.

This does not answer your question! As long as you can keep running and complete the yard before the hour bell sounds or owl hoot or conch shell or didgeridoo sounds you can keep going.

Is this only for fast runners?

Ok, lets not pretend this is an easy race, its not! However, depending on your way of thinking this can be a really sociable run. The runners will be returning to the base every hour where there will be an atmosphere of gloom and desolation! Runners will start every yard together, so a real opportunity to run together and chat about footwear and chaffing! However, you do not have to be fast. In truth, the fastest runners often drop our early as it is about consistency and tactics not pure speed.

Are there shorter options available?

In following Laz Lake's rules there are options to enter shorter options - Backyard 24 / Backyard 12 / Backyard 6. All Backyards will commence at the same time and follow the same rules.

When do I rest, eat and sleep?

That all depends on how much time is left on the completion of the last yard, as the next yard will begin on the hour. If you complete the yard in 45 minutes you have 15 minutes to rest, eat and sleep...not much time! You could eat whilst you run, drink on the trot. The choice is yours.e

Is the route on trail or tarmac?

The route will most definitely be trail. The route that is being worked on is 100% on trail, with no road crossings.

Is it flat?

All in all, this is a flat route by Jersey standards! The current route is looking at an elevation gain of around 60 metres over for each yard and a similar drop. So, around 1,440 metres climbing over 100 miles - not to be sniffed at but certainly not to be grimaced at!

To put into context and to compare against some 100 milers - UTMB is around 10,040 metres, Western States 5,513 metres, Ronda del Cim 13,500 metres. Local context, let's compare with Round The Rock which is approximately 1300 metres over the 48 miles.

So, this is just a crawl around the yard!

What facilities will be on offer?

The event will be centred on a race area where there will be parking, toilets, showers and space to set up a camp for you and your crew. Water will be provided and you will need to bring cups / bottles.

Depending on the numbers and whether a sponsor is mad enough to come on board we may manage to bring in some food supplies and even a marquee. At this stage we are rough and ready - backyard style!

Will the route be marked?

The route will be fully marked with reflective tape.

Will there be marshals?

There will be marshals who will appear at random times in random places to check on the course. The nature of the route does not require full marshal presence except at race central.

How will organisers check that people keep to the route?

There will be some clever checks out on the course as well as random pop - up marshals. Runners will need to have a watch with a GPS facility so routes can be checked if there is reasonable doubt.

What will happen if runners find and use a short cut?

There will be an automatic penalty of 15 minutes if it is clearly intentional short cutting. Errors that are clearly accidental will be with the Director for a decision.

Can we have pacers and support on the course?

We ask that all support is kept to the race base. Pacers are not allowed.

How many finishers will there be?

Only one, the winner! All other runners will be recorded as DNF (Did not Finish) - Brutal! You will still earn your bragging rights and can share your story but there can only be one last Crapaud Crawling!

Will we get any bling?

All runners will receive a stunning "Crapaud" T Shirt that meets our eco standards and a commemorative finishers medal type thing!! There will be prizes.

Can we use donkeys or bicycles?

Absolutely not, but camels and crapauds are acceptable modes of transport.

Will the route be floodlit?

If you are asking that question...you are not the right toad for the race! You will need torches whether head, hand held or body worn. Flaming oil torches or burning branches will be prohibited...

Why should we bother?

Excellent question and when I have the answer I will let you know...

Do I need to enter now, its only 2026?

Numbers will be limited and we expect a level of interest. Backyard ultras are popular...you have been warned.

What are the refund policies?

 If Run Jersey Events changes the event and you cannot run, a 100% refund will be offered or a  full deferral offered for the following year.

100% refund for cancellations  before 31st December 2026.

50% refunds for cancellations from 1st January 2027 - 31st July 2027.

No refunds will be offered for cancellations from 1st August 2027.

Deferrals will be available.

We would recommend you use the race protection offered through Race Nation  when registering.

So, now I am convinced but how do I enter?

Click the Crapaud below to register...