The Awa Backyard Ultra

THE AWA BACKYARD ULTRA

The format is simple. Runners complete a "Yard" (lap) of 6.7km. A new 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 one runner completes one more yard than everyone else then they are declared the winner.

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).

When one runner completes one more yhen they are declared the winner.

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

Backyard Ultra Details

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/

EVENT SCHEDULE

Friday, 24 September 2027

Event registration 10am-1pm - That Place MTB Park. Kaiwhaiki Road

Event registration 3pm-6pm - The Distillery. 17 Drews Avenue, Whanganui

Set-up of support stations at That Place MTB Park from 10am onwards.

Saturday, 25 September 2027

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: 8:45am in the start corral.

First Bell (Race Start): 9:00am

Sunday, 26 September 2027

The Backyard Ultra continues...

Monday, 27 September 2027

If needed... the Backyard Ultra continues.

THE AWA BACKYARD ULTRA

2027 entries open on 1 October

2026 Results