Immerse yourself in the heart-pounding challenge of Thetford Forest's High Lodge for an unforgettable Backyard Ultra event this late summer. The venue, nestled within Suffolk’s stunning woodland landscape, offers runners an exhilarating mix of flat terrain and serene forest paths. Event Options: For those looking to dip their toes into the unique format or aiming at a specific time target, we offer reduced-cost entries for both 6-hour (£20) and 12-hour (£40) races. These options provide access to the full event setup but do not extend beyond their respective time limits; participants will be automatically DNF’d after these periods. Main Event: The core Backyard Ultra challenges runners with a grueling loop of exactly 4.167 miles (or 6.7056 kilometers), repeated every hour until only one participant remains capable of completing the final yard within an hourly deadline. The race starts promptly at noon after a brief briefing session, allowing competitors to acclimate and prepare for this endurance test. Location & Setup: Held in Thetford Forest's High Lodge, the event’s route winds through picturesque woodland areas with minimal elevation changes, ensuring fast lap times on mostly gravel or grass footpaths. The course is fully marked, providing clear guidance throughout the race day. Camping facilities are available for free near both sides of the start area, accommodating up to 500 participants and their crews without tents larger than necessary. Strict adherence to fire regulations means no cooking within tent areas; a supervised cooking space will be provided instead. Aid & Logistics: The single aid station at the start/finish offers essential hydration options alongside basic snacks for runners, ensuring they stay fueled throughout their journey. Hot and cold water is available from noon until 8 PM on Sunday to support both racers and their crews effectively. Parking fees of £12 (£15 if purchased later) cover access during race days (Saturday through Wednesday), with strict timing restrictions around the site entrance gate between 9 PM and 8 AM. Rules & Regulations: Competitors must adhere strictly to the start corral rules, ensuring all participants are present at each loop's beginning without any form of aid or support until completion. Headlamps become mandatory from 9 PM onwards for visibility. Eligible elite runners who have achieved significant yard counts in past events can secure substantial discounts on their entry fees based on performance metrics over the last two years, ranging from a generous 25% to an impressive 75%. Media & Volunteers: Event photographers capture moments throughout the race weekend, which may be used for promotional purposes. A dedicated volunteer team keeps operations running smoothly; interested individuals can find more information and sign up on our volunteering page. Join us in this late summer edition of Backyard Ultra at High Lodge to experience an unparalleled blend of endurance racing and natural beauty. For detailed event guidelines and updates, visit the race pack section on our website.
Races Offered
Thetford Back Yard Ultra 12 hour Event 2026
Sep 12, 2026
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Distance —
12 Hours
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Type —
Others
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12 days remaining
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£100.00
Thetford Back Yard Ultra 12 hour Event 2027
Sep 12, 2026
straighten
Distance —
12 Hours
terrain
Type —
Others
timer
12 days remaining
sell
£80.00
Thetford Back Yard Ultra 6 hour Event 2026
Sep 12, 2026
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Distance —
6 Hours
terrain
Type —
Others
timer
12 days remaining
sell
£80.00
Thetford Back Yard Ultra 6 hour Event 2027
Sep 12, 2026
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Distance —
6 Hours
terrain
Type —
Others
timer
12 days remaining
sell
£60.00
Thetford Back Yard Ultra Full Event 2026
Sep 12, 2026
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Distance —
Thetford Back Yard Ultra Full Event 2026
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Type —
Others
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12 days remaining
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£120.00
Thetford Back Yard Ultra Full Event 2027
Sep 12, 2026
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Distance —
Thetford Back Yard Ultra Full Event 2027
terrain
Type —
Others
timer
12 days remaining
sell
£100.00
Weather History
These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for September in High Lodge.
thermostatTemperature
12.1° / 20.1°
wb_sunnyFeels like
9.9° / 17.7°
light_mode
Avg sunshine hours
9h 7m
water_drop
Avg rainfall
2.6 mm
ac_unit
Avg snowfall
—
air
Avg wind speed
14.0 km/h (Gentle breeze)
opacity
Sweat loss rate
Moderate
terrain
Course conditions
Firm and slightly soft
sunny
Max UV Index
Moderate (3.5)
humidity_mid
Humidity
76.8%
wb_twilight
Sunrise
06:32
nightlight
Sunset
19:10
Hotels & Places to Stay
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