Thetford Back Yard Ultra
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Thetford Back Yard Ultra Festival
Thetford Back Yard Ultra Festival is a Backyard Ultra event held at High Lodge in Thetford Forest, Suffolk. The format requires runners to complete a loop of 4 miles 880 feet (6.7056 km / 4.167 miles) every hour until only one competitor can complete a loop within the hour.
The organiser offers three entry options: the full open-ended Backyard Ultra and time-limited 12 hour and 6 hour events. The 6 and 12 hour options use the same setup and start but are automatically recorded as DNF if a runner exceeds the chosen time limit; there are no winners or prizes in those timed races. The 6 hour race has a lowered age limit of 12 years provided a parent or guardian is onsite and an emergency contact is supplied. The full event uses chip timing and carries a £250 prize plus free entry to the summer Suffolk Back Yard Ultra for the winner and an assistant.
Discounts are available for experienced Backyard runners based on prior yards completed and for recent race winners; the organiser handles discount requests by email. There is one aid station at the start/finish offering hot and cold water and basic snacks until 8pm Sunday, and a supervised cooking area; stoves are not permitted in camping areas. Portable toilets are provided. The route is wide, mostly flat, firm and well signed, with mostly gravel or grass surfaces and one small hill. Camping for runners and crews is free across two designated areas; tent placement is assigned and Friday night pitching is not permitted. There is no mains power and mobile signal may be patchy, a limited charging station is provided for runners only. Event rules include mandatory presence in the starting corral at the bell with 3/2/1 minute warnings, no crew in the corral, required use of headtorches after dark, and automatic DNF if a loop is not completed within the hour. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
