Gosfield Backyard Ultra

Set your sights on the unique and challenging Back Yard Ultra, taking place at Gosfield School in Essex, UK, starting bright and early at 9:00 AM on Saturday, August 23rd, 2025. This event is a testament to endurance and strategic pacing as runners tackle a grueling loop of 4.167 miles (6706 meters) around the school's picturesque grounds.
The race format is simple yet demanding: every hour marks a new lap that must be completed before the next horn sounds at precisely the top of each hour. If you miss your mark, it’s game over for you and another runner joins the ranks of DNFs (Did Not Finish). The last person standing will claim victory as the champion.
The key to success lies in pacing yourself wisely; going too hard early on can leave you exhausted before the event reaches its climax, while a conservative approach might not give you enough time between laps for recovery. This ultra is more than just about running—it’s an intricate dance of endurance and mental fortitude that tests your limits like never before.
For those planning to camp out at Gosfield School ahead of race day, setup begins on Friday evening from 6:00 PM onwards. The event offers a well-equipped basecamp with amenities including camping space next to the race HQ, an indoor area for shelter and relaxation, free Wi-Fi, charging stations, showers, changing rooms, and fully marked routes.
Support yourself throughout the night and beyond by utilizing the aid station which provides a variety of hot and cold beverages along with fruits, snacks, and sweets. Extra tables are available should you wish to leave items there without having a support crew on hand.
The rules are strict but fair: punctuality is paramount—late arrivals will be marked as DNS (Did Not Start). Each lap must begin within 30 seconds of the start horn; stepping out of bounds or receiving assistance during laps results in disqualification. The race continues regardless, even if you need to take care of personal needs.
The event concludes when only one runner remains standing at the starting line for a final loop unchallenged by others. With such high stakes and intense competition, it’s an experience that runners and spectators alike will remember long after the last lap is run.
A finisher's memento awaits every participant who crosses the tape, while our winner receives both a unique prize and a £150 cash award to celebrate their victory. Join us at Gosfield School for this unforgettable ultra running challenge where strategy and stamina meet in one of the most compelling races on the calendar.
In case you need to withdraw from the race before July 26th, 2026, there's a 50% refund option available; however, after that date, no refunds will be issued. Transferring your spot is possible until August 1st, 2026.
Prepare yourself for an unparalleled test of endurance and join us at Gosfield School for the Back Yard Ultra—a race where every hour counts towards claiming ultimate victory in Essex's scenic landscape.