ABOUT RED’S
The unique format fascinated the founder and Race Director of Red’s Backyard Ultra, Red Barnett. The idea was sparked during a trail run after she shared a video in a local trail running group, where another runner commented how great it would be to have a Backyard Ultra locally. In that moment, the seed was planted—and the rest is history.
Red’s Backyard Ultra is set on a NSW State Cross Country course in Kembla Grange, roughly 1.5 hours south of Sydney. It is a last-one-standing event where runners run a loop (known as a ‘yard’) of 6.7056 km every hour on the hour until there is only one runner left; all other runners are technically a Did Not Finish (DNF). Runners are rivals, but they are also teammates. They combine their efforts to complete as many yards (loops) as possible. However, it is not until only two runners remain that it becomes a race to see who will win.
Why run a race where there is a substantial chance of a DNF? Because it is a race against yourself more than anyone else. How far can you push yourself? 10 hours, 24 hours, 2 days! It is the ultimate endurance test of the body, mind and soul.
2023, 2024 and 2025 were such amazing events, with 2024 earning two of the Red’s Backyard Ultra runners (one accepted to participate) a place on the 2024 Australian Team for the Backyard Ultra Australian World Team Championships!
THE RED’S TEAM
Red Barnett
President, Secretary & Race Director
Founder and matriarch of the Red’s family, creator of all things fun and brilliant banana bread baker.
Shane Koziwoda
Vice President
Electrician extraordinaire in charge of all things electrical, DNF medal manufacturer and Dylan’s dad.
Bruce Steele
Treasurer
Retired accountant, financial wizard and in charge of all things corporate.
Julie Steele
Committee Member
Emeritus Professor in Biomechanics, red pen warrior, general BYU advice and last-minute stand-in crew.
Simon Macauley
Committee Member
Courageous firefighter, backyard ultra enthusiast, and the newest spark behind the Red’s community buzz.
SPONSORS
Red’s Backyard Ultra is made possible thanks to the incredible support of our sponsors and partners.
FOOD & BEVERAGE PARTNERS
Fuelled and refreshed thanks to the local legends who keep runners and crew going all weekend.
BACKYARD ULTRA RULES EXPLAINED SERIES
The Backyard Ultra Rules Explained series has been developed to help runners, crews, volunteers and spectators better understand the Official Backyard Ultra Rules and how they apply during an event.
While the official rules remain intentionally simple, these short videos provide practical guidance and answer some of the most common questions, helping everyone arrive on race day with a clear understanding of their responsibilities.
These videos are intended as guidance only. They do not replace, modify or expand upon the Official Backyard Ultra Rules.
INTRODUCTION
STARTING CORRAL
STARTS
WHAT HAPPENS DURING A YARD
📌 Temporary Update – Video 4 (What Happens During a Yard)
Following further discussions with Laz, we've received some additional clarification regarding high fives during an active Yard. While a high five during an active Yard would not automatically result in a disqualification, the guidance remains that physical interaction during an active Yard should be avoided wherever possible. The simplest approach is to wait until the Yard is complete before any physical interaction.
We're currently updating Video 4 so it reflects this latest clarification. Thank you for your understanding.
RESULTS AND DETERMINING THE WINNER
If you have any questions about the Official Backyard Ultra Rules, please email redsultraevents@gmail.com and we'll be happy to help.
This page will continue to grow as additional educational resources become available.
BACKYARD ULTRA RESOURCES
Whether you're preparing for your first Backyard Ultra or your fiftieth, we've pulled together a collection of resources that may help you in the lead-up to race day.
VIDEOS & DOCUMENTARIES
PACKING & PREPARATION
HELPFUL GUIDES
BIG’S BACKYARD ULTRA
Curious how Red’s fits into the global Backyard Ultra family? Big’s Backyard Ultra, founded by Lazarus “Laz” Lake, is the official home of the format, featuring a complete catalogue of races worldwide, world rankings and the At-Large list for runners chasing global glory. Red’s proudly contributes to this vibrant international community.
BACKYARD ULTRA PODCAST
Want to dive deeper into the world of Backyard Ultra racing? The Backyard Ultra Podcast, hosted by Australian runner David “Patto” Patterson, features race recaps, event reviews, interviews with runners and race directors and discussions about the unique challenges of the format.
At the end of each episode, Patto’s guests share their three Backyard Ultra tips, offering practical insights from those with firsthand experience in the format.
BACKYARD ULTRA RUN CLUB
Want to stay connected beyond race day? The Backyard Ultra Run Club (BURC), founded by Clayton Talbot, is a community of runners who train, share experiences, and support each other through the unique challenges of the Backyard Ultra format — both in training and at events.