Devon and Cornwall Backyard

Trail course in the grounds of Newnham Park, a private park on the outskirts of Plymouth. Race elevation starts at 131ft, climbing to 395ft

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Backyard Ultra is a form of ultramarathon event where competitors run in circuits of 4.167 miles. Each circuit starts on the hour, and must be completed in less than 60 minutes.

When each lap is completed, the remaining time within the hour is typically used to recover for the next hour’s circuit.

Competitors entering the ultra event complete hourly circuits until there is only one runner still going! They are then the event winner! The world record for Backyard Ultra is 354 miles. (85 hours)

Alternatively runners can choose to take part in events using the same format lasting 24 circuits (100 miles); 12 circuits (50 miles); 6 circuits (25 miles); 3 circuits (12.5 miles); or take part in a family fun run which is a single lap of the event field (approx 1k). The Devon and Cornwall Backyard Ultra is being organised by the regional charity Bowel Cancer West and all proceeds made will be in aid of the charity.

The charity was founded to improve the survival rates of people with bowel cancer in the South West of England.

Currently, the disease has a dangerously low profile, but we are looking to change that through our dedicated team of volunteers and trustees who ensure that every pound raised is invested effectively to put the brakes on the UK’s second-biggest cancer-related killer.

How do we do this?
We raise awareness of the symptoms of bowel cancer. Incidences of the disease are high and awareness levels are alarmingly low. Everyone over the age of 60 is sent a screening test every two years but many choose to ignore this. Discussing bowel habits is also a tricky topic, but together we can ‘combat the cringe’ to ensure everyone has the knowledge they need about this disease.

We fund research conducted at leading universities to plug a national gap. Our projects are internationally recognised and carefully selected by a BCW grants committee of esteemed academics to ensure we remain focused on the right areas.

We provide training for doctors and nurses to ensure they provide patients with the best possible care. We train them to diagnose patients effectively and to offer the best support for them surrounding their treatment.

The West Country Challenge.
Bowel cancer affects people of all ages but is most commonly associated with people over the age of 55.

With our region hosting a high number of retirees, we face a harder challenge. It’s also a misconception that bowel cancer affects only men – it is in fact only slightly more prevalent among males.

We need your support to ensure the people across the region know what to look out for. Currently, one in three people knows someone with bowel cancer.

Colorectal cancer is Britain’s second-biggest cause of cancer-related death but only ranks fourth for cancer diagnosis. This means that a higher proportion of those who are diagnosed do not survive.

We know this is largely due to late diagnosis and sometimes through a lack of awareness in the symptoms of bowel cancer- although these symptoms are not always apparent. Discussing your bowel habits can be a difficult subject, but you really shouldn’t feel embarrassed.

The Future.
Your support will ensure we grow our charity and we will reduce the risk that bowel cancer has on the West Country community – helping to save peoples’ lives.

Our expanding volunteer and fundraising network will help us meet our goals, and we know that we now have the right mix of talent and enthusiasm to achieve that.

It’s a huge challenge for us, but with resources improving by the day and further funds being donated to BCW from the private and corporate sectors, we are making good progress.

The event offers free camping for all competitors of the Backyard Ultra and 100-mile distance. Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate camping for those running 50 miles or less.

The event arena will open from 12 midday on Friday 2nd September for the erection of tents. We recommend arriving as early as possible to ensure you’re in place and ready to go for the race starting at 6 pm.

The event arena has a range of facilities available for both competitors and spectators throughout the entirety of the event.

This includes toilets and hygiene facilities, food and drink outlets and manned race direction. There will be communal marquees with lighting and power provided throughout the entirety of the event.

It is hoped that throughout race weekend there will be a range of entertainment for both spectators and to keep the motivation of competitors high.

There will be a visible, static point situated adjacent to race control designated for first aid, along with first aid support at marshalling points on the course.

In addition to static marshalls, there will be roaming marshalls to ensure competitor safety at all times.

All marshalls and race officials will wear high visibility clothing and have direct communication with the Race Director.

Competitors will be provided with a full race pack prior to the event including a list of compulsory and recommended equipment. Please ensure your contact details are correct at the time of registration to ensure you receive this information.

A 1km fun run for all, around beautiful Newnham Park.

We believe that running should be a sport enjoyed by all so in addition to the ultra and other races, we’ve included a family fun run too.

The course is approximately 1 kilometre and covers a section of the Newnham Park circuit.

100 miles – Friday 2nd September at 18:00

50 miles – Saturday 3rd September at 08:00

25 miles – Saturday 3rd September at 11:00

12.5 miles – Saturday 3rd September at 16:00

The event arena opens from 12 midday on Friday 2nd September for camping, which is available to those running the ultra and 100 mile event.

• Registration Deadline: Sunday 7th August