Arrowtown Backyard Ultra
Always double-check with the organizer's website! This page may contain affiliate links.
Arrowtown Backyard Ultra 2026
The Arrowtown Backyard Ultra is a timed endurance running event in Arrowtown, New Zealand, held on 7 November 2026. Competitors run a repeated lap of 6.71 km on the Arrow River Trail and Butler Green event village area. Each lap must be completed within one hour and runners who do not finish a lap in that time or are not in the starting corral for the next lap are recorded as DNF. The event continues until no one can complete another full lap; the last runner to complete a lap while all others have DNF is recorded as the winner.
The course is predominantly hard packed trail with a winding single track through bush. It follows Bush Creek and the Arrow River, crosses Bush Creek twice and includes two pedestrian bridges. The Strava course elevation is listed as 48 m. The event village at Butler Green sits in the town centre near cafes and shops. Competitors are expected to be self-supported between laps; each competitor may erect a 3 m x 3 m gazebo in the event village. Limited amenities such as a microwave, jug and a small number of power points are provided in the timing area.
Teams of four may register to compete while each member still runs as an individual; team categories are mens, womans and mixed. A free kids trail race on a 1 km loop is held alongside the event for primary school children; parents or caregivers may run with the child. Entry cost is $220 and entries are limited. The event is listed as sold out with a waitlist available. The Arrowtown Backyard Ultra also serves as a qualifying event for the Backyard Ultra World Team Championship for New Zealand. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
