The Awa Backyard Ultra

JUST ONE MORE LAP... 26 SEPTEMBER 2026

THE AWA BACKYARD ULTRA

The format is simple. Runners complete a lap of 6.7km. A new lap (or "yard") starts on the hour, every hour until only one runner remains. All you need to do is be in the corral at the start of every hour for the bell and be back in time for the next bell... it's as "easy" as that!

When the last runner finishes a complete lap then they are declared the winner. Everyone else is recorded DNF.

The lap distance of 6.7km (or as close as we can get it to the official 6.7056km) is set so that any runners completing 24 laps will have covered 100 miles (160km).

We ring the first bell at 9:00am on Saturday. We finish on Sunday... or maybe Monday.

Backyard Ultra Details

THE AWA BACKYARD 6

THE AWA BACKYARD ULTRA

The Awa Backyard 6 is the same course and format as the Awa Backyard Ultra. Runners complete a lap of 6.7km. A new lap starts on the hour, every hour. Like the ultra, each runner must be back in the corral at the start of every hour for the bell and be back in time for the next bell... but after 6 hours / 6 laps we let you go home!

A much more achievable but still challenging introduction to the world of ultra distance running.

Runners who complete the full six hours will almost complete the distance of a marathon, and 3 laps (if that's your goal) will almost be a half marathon. But more fun because its all off road.

Backyard 6 Details

event schedule

Friday, 25 September 2026

Event registration 3pm-7pm - The Distillery. 17 Drews Avenue, Whanganui

Set-up of support tents at That Place MTB Park (Ultra competitors only) from 12pm onwards.

Saturday, 26 September 2026

Event registration 6:30am-8:00am. There will be a strict cut-off at 8:00am. All participants are encouraged to register on the Friday afternoon/evening.

Race briefing: 8:50am in the start corral.

First Bell (Race Start): 9:00am

Backyard 6 Finish: 3:00pm

Sunday, 27 September 2026

The Backyard Ultra continues...

Monday, 28 September 2026

If needed... the Backyard Ultra continues.

EVENT VENUE

THAT PLACE MOUNTAIN BIKE PARK

Beside the Whanganui River, approximately 20km north of Whanganui. Off SH4 at the end of Kaiwhaiki Road.

It takes around 25 minutes to drive north from Whanganui, or around an hour if you're coming down SH4 from Raetihi. Google maps will help find your way there (the address is 1021 Kaiwhaiki Road)... but be aware that there is little to no cellphone coverage over the last 5km.

Please respect the neighbours and drive no more than 50km/h when passing Kaiwhaiki marae.

https://www.that-place.co.nz/

That Place is also home to Takahuri Retreats. They will have accommodation available on the weekend of the event (and any other time that you might like to visit). There's a tiny home and luxury glamping dome options to choose from.

https://www.takahuriglamping.co.nz/

THE AWA BACKYARD ULTRA

THE AWA BACKYARD ULTRA

JUST ONE MORE LAP... 26 SEPTEMBER 2026

THE AWA BACKYARD ULTRA

THE AWA BACKYARD ULTRA

THE AWA BACKYARD ULTRA

THE AWA BACKYARD 6

THE AWA BACKYARD ULTRA

THE AWA BACKYARD ULTRA

event schedule

Friday, 25 September 2026

Saturday, 26 September 2026

Sunday, 27 September 2026

Monday, 28 September 2026

EVENT VENUE

THAT PLACE MOUNTAIN BIKE PARK

The first bell rings in

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