Portland Pig BackYard Ultra

Welcome to the Third edition of the Backyard Ultra right here on the Isle of Portland.

The backyard is the brainchild of Lazarus Lake, the race director of Barkley Marathons.

Backyard ultra is a form of ultramarathon race where competitors must consecutively run the distance of 6,706 meters (4.167 miles) in less than one hour.

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

If you are going to give a backyard ultra a go in 2024, you won’t be disappointed in our version of the little fun run.

The Portland Pig - Backyard Ultra

Starting on the hour every hour until you are the last one standing over a course of 4.167 miles you say?!?! 

We know, we get that this isn’t everyone cup of tea, we really do get that, however, if it is, then where else would you get to run past 2 prisons, 1 set of Olympic Rings, A cricket club, 2 stone quarries with carvings to behold, 1 Olympic sailing venue and Beach views to die for, a wallaby farm, alpacas and some Portland Sheep and some high angle batteries from the 1892? Don’t think we’ve missed anything! 

This course has it all - Grass/gravel/track/tarmac/pavement - you name it, you run on it (OK don’t name it :) , there is no beach or water jumps!) 

But what you do get is

A fully marked route which you will become familiar with over time, Camping on site included in your entry for you and 2 crew including motorhomes, (no caravans) - A stunning DNF medal for those who tried but failed, great support all weekend, full chip timed, medic cover, even a pot noodle if you’re lucky too, plus the usual stuff you would expect from a BustinSkin Event, amazing marshals, words of advice about your life choices, a no nonsense race brief and plenty of encouragement along the way.

Plus, if you are good enough, the winner will receive a bespoke, one off, winners memento hand carved from Portland stone.

Fancy it? or even part of it? 

If a marathon distance is your thing then 7 loops and you’re done, chill out, drink wine, annoy the others.

100 miles? 24 loops, drop out sleep eat and support the others with words like ‘seemed a good idea at Christmas’ ‘Not long now’ ‘its just running - how hard can it be’ - or be creative and use your own.

200 miles? 48 loops, or ‘Yards’ as the experts call them - they say you can’t do it, why not prove them all wrong!

Going till there’s only you? well, that takes some mental agility and a body of steel.

Have you got what it takes to win the Portland Pig Backyard Ultra?

Come along and find out, we look forward to trying to break you or make you stronger.

FAQ’s

Price includes camping on site with 2 crew

There will be basic cold food onsite, all runners must be self sufficient for the duration of the event

All camping pitches are non hook up pitches

Toilets will be provided

No outside assistance to runners of any kind accepted

No running/walking poles allowed

No furry friends allowed on site

No wood burning open fire pits