God's Own Back Yard Ultra Spring
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Event overview
Gods Own Backyard Ultra - Spring 2026 is a backyard ultra held on Saturday 23 May 2026 at Hunters Greave, Pollard Lane, Hawksworth, Leeds, LS5 3BF. The event is a "silver" affiliated Backyard Ultra; winners of silver events qualify for entry into the "gold" world team championship. The minimum age is 18 and the entry fee is £80. Entries are full and the event lists 81 participants so far.
Course, facilities and race format
Competitors set off on the hour every hour to complete a loop of 4.167 miles. A competitor must complete the loop within the hour to start the next hour; failure to do so results in a DNF. The bell is sounded on the hour and any competitor not in the starting area before the bell is disqualified. The last competitor to finish a loop alone is declared the champion.
The course has elevation gain on each loop and includes canal towpath, farmland trail, woodland trail and tarmac paths. A separate night loop avoids crossing the canal in the dark and follows tarmac towpath. Organisers provide hot and cold water, fruit, sweets, camping, toilets, first aid, waymarking and marshals. Participants receive a Yorkshire goodie bag and may pre-order event clothing. Limited campervan space must be pre-arranged. Public transport access via Kirkstall Forge rail station is noted. Appropriate clothing and, for night running, a headtorch with spare batteries are required. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.