Arrowtown Backyard Ultra
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Arrowtown Backyard Ultra 2026 : event summary
The Arrowtown Backyard Ultra is a multi‑lap running event on the Arrow River Trail with a single lap distance of 6.71 km. Competitors run the loop repeatedly; completing six laps is approximately a marathon, 15 laps is 100 km and 24 laps is 100 miles. Each lap follows a predominantly hard packed trail with a winding single track through bush, runs alongside Bush Creek and the Arrow River, crosses Bush Creek twice and uses two pedestrian bridges over the Arrow River. The Strava course elevation is 48 m and the route contains a few small inclines.
The event village is at Butler Green in Arrowtown, within walking distance of cafes and shops. Competitors must be self‑supported from their personal gazebo (maximum 3 m x 3 m); the organisers provide a microwave, hot water jug and limited power points. Support may only be provided within the event village between laps; no on‑course support or pacing is allowed. No artificial aids such as trekking poles are permitted.
Race rules require each lap to be completed within one hour; runners who fail to complete a lap in time or are absent from the starting corral are recorded as DNF. Teams of four can compete while each member still enters and runs as an individual. The event includes a free kids trail race on a 1 km loop for primary school children (parents may run with a child). Entries cost $220 plus a 3% credit card fee; bank transfer is an alternative to avoid the card fee. The race is a qualifying event for the Backyard Ultra World Team Championship selection period. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
