Rasselbock Backyard Ultra

Rasselbock Backyard Ultra

£85.00 plus 1kg of plastic saved from the ocean

In stock

Join us at Sherwood Pines forest on the 4th of March 2023 for our inaugural Back Yard Ultra event.

Back Yard Ultras are the brainchild of Laz Lake the Barkley Marathon creator and it is equally as mad. The premise is simple: the event has no fixed length in time or distance, you just have to run the same 4.16-mile loop every hour and you run until you can’t run anymore. The winner is grown when she/he is 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 Back Yard Ultra.

 

This event is a bronze qualifier for your journey to the pinnacle of the race; The Bigs Back Yard Ultra in Tennessee.

4th March 2023
Sherwood Pines
4.16 Mile Loops
Who Knows?

 

Welcome to the first Rasselbock Back Yard Ultra. For those who have not taken part in a backyard ultra before then, you’re in for a treat. It is a last man 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.

“Elite Backyarders”

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 a day and a half (36 hours, 36 yards, 36 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.

What are the specific rules regarding the Back Yard 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. There can be no “moral support” and cheering for runners once out on the course either. Once the runner starts the lap they must be fully by themselves. Cheering and support are allowed from the race HQ and corral only.
  • No artificial aids (including trekking poles).
  • Slower runners must allow faster ones to pass
  • If no runner can start one more loop than anyone else, there is no winner.

Where is Sherwood Pines?

Sherwood Pines Forest Park is located 6 miles east of Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, NG21 9JL. For more information on the venue, including directions, accommodation, and more, please check out the Sherwood Pines Infomation Page.

Where do I register/ pick up my race number?

You’ll be able to pick up your race number on the morning of the event at the start line. We will have access to the forest from 7 am on the Saturday morning and you’ll be able to park at the race HQ area as well, and not in the main forest car park. Please allow yourself enough time to grab your number before the race briefing at 11:30 am and the start of the run on Midday Saturday.

Is there a time limit?

The only time limit is that you have to be back in the starting corral before the next lap begins on the hour every hour. If you are not in starting corral when the bell rings then your event will be over. Each lap is 4.16 miles long (minimum distance, route to still be finalized), which means if you complete 4 laps you have done a half marathon, 7 laps, a full marathon and 8 laps or more will be classed as an Ultra. You can finish your event at any time and you’ll receive a DNF along with your DNF memento. There can be only one finisher.

What do I get with my entry?

  • A fully unique and bespoke medal design just for this event.
  • Aid station stocked with water, squash, Active Root, Hot water, and a selection of sweets and fruit.
  • Dedicated first aiders on site for the full event.
  • An area for your support crew and tent on the day.
  • Amazing support that you’d expect from the Rasselbock Family

Is there an Aid station?

We will have a small aid station with lots of liquids and a small selection of fruits, sweets, and snacks. We will have extra tables for you to leave some items on if you don’t have a support crew. You are more than welcome to bring items for everyone or leave items for others after you have finished.

What is the route?

The route is 4.16 miles long (6.61km) and runs through a mix of forest trails single paths and forest access roads. Underfoot you’ll have a mix of natural woodland and gravel tracks so I’d recommend trail shoes if possible. The route has the possibility of changing depending on the Forestry Commission’s needs at the time, but it will always be of the same length and character.

 

All other questions that you may have are most probably answered on the events FAQ page.