Western Yards Backyard Ultra - Connacht
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Western Yards Backyard Ultra - Connacht
Western Yards Backyard Ultra - Connacht takes place in Kilcornan Woods and Trails, County Galway. The event uses a loop of 6.706 km (about 4.167 miles) with roughly 20 m of elevation gain per loop. Surfaces include woodland trails, grassy paths and gravel. Only major junctions are marked and GPS use on the course is not allowed.
The format is a backyard ultra: runners complete the loop every hour and are eliminated if they fail to finish a loop within the hour or do not return to the start for the next loop. Each loop starts on the hour with warnings at three, two and one minute before the start; all runners must begin at the whistle and may not leave the course until the loop is complete. No outside aid is allowed on the course; crew support is permitted at base camp. Trekking poles are not permitted.
All participants must carry mandatory Level C kit. Required items include a waterproof jacket with hood, hat or buff, gloves, whistle, charged phone, foil blanket or bivvy, full leg waterproof cover, at least 500 mL water carrying means, emergency food, a map and a compass. Head-torches and spare batteries are mandatory during darkness. Entry is limited to 150 runners, the entry fee is €50, and random kit checks may be carried out.
Prizes include a €100 voucher for the Last One Standing, smaller vouchers for other placing roles, an event T-shirt and commemorative pint glass. A 100-mile medal is awarded to anyone completing 24 loops or more. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
