About the Red Dirt Backyard Ultra
The backyard ultra is not about being the Last One Standing though, it is about challenging yourself, your limitations, and your expectations – surprising yourself with what you can do in a supportive and fun environment. It is a great opportunity to team up with family, friends, work colleagues, gym buddies or others in your community and have a go. If you have ever wondered about a backyard ultra, come on down and give a shot right here in your Pilbara backyard.
The cost for the RDBU is $60 per person to enter. For your registration you will receive your race bib, a Pilbara Trailblazers 500ml soft flask and a small selection of hydration and nutrition at the event village aid station (e.g. water, coke, electrolytes, bananas, watermelon, potato chips, lollies etc.). If you are a Pilbara Trailblazers member you will receive 10% off your entry fee.
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To view a flyover of the course click on the picture
More about backyard ultras here...
In our inaugural RDBU in 2022, we had 39 solo participants, with the event winner, Levi Winman, and his assist Ben Lyon, completing an amazing 80km over the 12 hours.
In 2023, we increased the time to a 24-hour race and included the option to run as a team. The solo winner, Ethan Stirrat (24 loops), and Jamie Oborne (16 loops) as the assist. The team winner, Primal MMA, also completed the full 24 hours, running a total distance of 161.04km.
The concept of the Backyard Ultra is the brainchild of Lazarus Lake (Laz) of Big Dogs Backyard in the USA. Laz came up with the idea to see how far runners can push themselves, but in a more approachable format. Anything can be achieved in the backyard!
The backyard ultra is an exciting event format and WA is home to the biggest Backyard Ultra in the world – Herdy’s Frontyard Ultra, brought to you by Ultra Series WA and run at Herdsman Lake in Perth. Ultra Series WA also facilitate Birdy’s Backyard Ultra at Lake Towerinning in SW WA, another spectacular event hosted on a spectacular private property in the cold winter months.
The Australian male record holder for the Backyard Ultra is Phil Gore with 102 yards (683.91km) and the Australian female record holder is Margie Hadley with 47 yards (315.14km).
