Thetford Back Yard Ultra
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Thetford Back Yard Ultra Festival
Thetford Back Yard Ultra Festival is a Backyard Ultra held at High Lodge in Thetford Forest, Suffolk. The format follows official Backyard Ultra rules: competitors run a loop of 4.167 miles (4 miles 880 feet, 6.7056 km) each hour and must complete each loop within the hour to continue. The overall event is open ended until one competitor completes a loop that no other competitor can match.
The organiser offers three entry options: the full event and two timed options of 12 hours and 6 hours. The 6 and 12 hour entries use the same setup and start procedures as the full event but will be recorded as DNF when the chosen time limit expires; there are no winners or prizes for those timed races. The 6 hour option has a lowered age limit of 12 years, provided a parent or guardian is onsite and their emergency contact is supplied. Entry prices published for 2027 include £100 for the full event, £80 for 12 hours, and £60 for 6 hours; the shorter options reduce cost by £20 (12 hour) or £40 (6 hour) compared with the full event.
Chip timing and live timing are used. The winner of the full event receives a £250 prize and free entry to the organiser’s summer Suffolk Backyard Ultra. The course is wide, mostly gravel or grass with good drainage, largely flat with one small hill, and will be fully signed. Facilities include one aid station at the start/finish, portable toilets, supervised cooking area, free camping for runners and crews, a limited charging station, and a photographer on site. Parking is charged as a flat fee for the event period; the site gate is closed to entry overnight between 21:00 and 08:00. Participants must follow event rules on starting, course conduct, and equipment; failing to return before the next hour starts results in DNF. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
