Lap The Valley Backyard Ultra

Event overview

Lap The Valley is a Backyard Ultramarathon held by Milepost Events at the Boyne Valley Community Discovery Centre in Ubobo, about a 1 hour drive from Gladstone. The event follows the Backyard Ultra format: competitors complete repeated laps of 6.71 km, each lap must be completed within the hour to be allowed to start the next lap. The event is registered with BigsBackyardUltra for world ranking and Australian team selection eligibility. The course record is 37 laps, set in 2025.

Course, rules and logistics

Day laps follow dirt trails across the Bruin Park cattle property with approximately 65 m of elevation. Night laps use the Boyne Burnett Inland Rail Trail as an out-and-back with minimal elevation; both use the same 6.71 km lap distance. Competitors must attend a mandatory briefing and must start on the first lap. Key rules include completing each lap within the hour, no support crew or eliminated competitors on the course, no personal aid handed to runners during a lap, no artificial aids or stashing of supplies on the course, and each registered person must complete their own laps.

Entry options include unlimited laps for $190, a 10-lap-or-less option for $110, and free entry for those 16 years and under. The field is limited to 110 participants. A headlamp or torch is mandatory for night laps; sunscreen, insect repellent, mobile phone and hydration capacity are recommended. An aid station near the corral will provide water and fruit for competitors only; competitors should bring a cup or bottle. Five percent of registration fees supports the Boyne Burnett Inland Rail Trail Inc. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

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