The AWA Backyard Ultra
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The Awa Backyard Ultra
The Awa Backyard Ultra is a timed trail running event held beside the Whanganui River at That Place Mountain Bike Park, about 20 km north of Whanganui. The event uses the backyard ultra format: runners complete repeated laps of the same loop and a new lap starts on the hour, every hour, until only one runner remains.
Each lap is approximately 6.7 km, with an approximate elevation gain of 200 m. The lap length is set so that completing 24 laps equals 100 miles (160 km). Competitors must complete each lap within the one-hour window for that lap to count. Runners are not permitted to receive personal aid during a lap; the event base provides the only aid/support location. Non-competitors and eliminated runners are not allowed on the course during laps.
Eligible participants must be 18 years or older. Entry is limited to 100 places. The event records completed yards for all competitors; the winner is the last person to complete one more lap than any other runner. If no runner manages a decisive extra lap, no winner is declared. The venue sits beside the river and has limited cellphone coverage on the final approach road; nearby accommodation at Takahuri Retreats is noted on the venue page. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
