FAQs
🏃♂️ Event Format
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Red’s Backyard Ultra follows the official Backyard Ultra format created by Lazarus “Laz” Lake. Runners complete a 6.706 km loop every hour, on the hour. If you don’t make it back before the next hour starts, you’re out. The last person standing wins (see Bigs Backyard Ultra section for more details).
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Each lap is 6.706 km, meaning that 24 loops equals 100 miles (160.9 km).
The Backyard Ultra format is designed so that if a runner completes one lap every hour for 24 hours, they will have run 100 miles. From there, the race simply keeps going — one lap, every hour, on the hour — until only one runner is left standing.
❓ What are the official Backyard Ultra rules?
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Red’s Backyard Ultra follows the official Backyard Ultra rules created by Lazarus “Laz” Lake, the founder of the format.
These rules define how the event operates, including the hourly start format, timing requirements, and how runners are eliminated if they fail to complete a lap within the hour.
You can view the full official rules here: Bigs Backyard Ultra Rules
📍 Event Details
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Red’s is held at Integral Energy Park (see Event Hub section for exact address and parking details).
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The race begins at 8:00 am sharp. All runners must be present for the compulsory race briefing prior to the start.
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Arrival time depends on your setup plans.
Check-in opens at 5:30 am and closes strictly at 7:15 am. All runners must be checked in before 7:15 am.
If you are setting up your personal aid station on race morning, we recommend arriving early to allow enough time for check-in and setup without stress.
The morning proceedings begin with a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony, followed by the compulsory race briefing. While the race briefing is mandatory for all runners, we strongly encourage everyone to be present for the Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony as a sign of respect and to properly open the event.
Some runners choose to set up their personal aid station the day before. Specific access times and setup instructions are outlined in the Race Manual and will also be emailed to all registered runners in the lead-up to race day.
⛺ Crew & Support
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Absolutely. Backyard Ultra is a crew-friendly format. Your crew can help you between loops.
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No problem at all. Many runners complete the event solo. The Red’s community atmosphere means you’ll never truly feel alone.
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Yes. Runners are allocated a 3 m x 3 m personal aid station space, which may include a gazebo or small shelter. If you have a crew, they must share your allocated space.
Gazebos and tents must be securely pegged and weighted for safety.
Runners may set up their structures the afternoon prior to race day. Specific access times and setup instructions are outlined in the Race Manual and will also be emailed to all registered runners in the lead-up to race day. Please note that overnight setup is at your own risk and valuables should not be left unattended.
If you are travelling from interstate and require assistance with a shelter, please contact us early to discuss possible rental options (additional cost applies).
🐶 Spectators & Dogs
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Absolutely! Red’s is a community-driven event, and spectators are encouraged to come along, cheer loudly, and soak up the atmosphere.
Those moments of support and encouragement can make all the difference as the hours begin to add up.
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Although Integral Park is dog-friendly, for the safety of runners, volunteers and officials, any dogs brought to the event MUST be kept on a leash and under control at all times. Owners or people responsible for looking after any uncontrolled dogs may be asked to take the dog and leave the event area.
🎟 Registration & Qualification
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Yes — Red’s is an official Silver Ticket event within the Backyard Ultra global series.
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Results from Red’s contribute to the national ranking pool. Final Australian Team selection follows the official qualification period.
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Full details regarding Refunds, Transfers & Rollovers are outlined in the Race Manual.
Important: Tickets may only be purchased through the official Red’s Backyard Ultra website. Tickets offered for sale elsewhere — including social media or private messages — are not valid. Posts attempting to sell tickets in unofficial channels are considered scams, and we ask the community not to engage with them.
Tickets may not be resold or transferred through unofficial channels. All entries must remain in the original registrant’s name unless processed officially via our Race Manual policy.
As this is a limited-entry event, conditions and timeframes apply. We strongly encourage all participants to read this section carefully before registering.
🥇 Winning & Awards
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The winner of Red’s Backyard Ultra is the “Last Person Standing” — the only runner to complete a final solo lap within the hour. The runner who finishes second is awarded the title of “Assist.”
Our generous sponsors, Coast to Mountain Running and Principle Brewing, provide prizes for both the winner and the Assist. In addition, the Last Person Standing receives a sandblasted brass bell, a smaller replica of our iconic large race bell.
We also celebrate fun and community spirit with a Fancy Dress Loop, where the best-dressed runner is chosen by the Race Director’s daughter.
🌙 Night Running
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Limited lighting is provided at the event hub. Runners must carry appropriate lighting (headlamp/torch) for night loops.