Kilworth Backyard Ultra

Description:

Kilworth Backyard Ultra

County:

Cork

Date:

Saturday 13th September, 2025

Time:

12:00

Climb (m):

125

Distance (km):

6.70

Short Course Distance (km):

0.00

Event Difficulty:

10 (Extreme) - Extreme, >1,000M ascent or > 30Km

Race Marking:

- Only major junctions marked

GPS Allowed:

No

Leagues:

 

Mandatory Kit:

Level C - Advanced

• Waterproof jacket with integrated hood and taped seams
• Hat or buff
• Gloves
• Whistle
• Charged mobile phone with emergency number stored
• Foil blanket, bivvy bag or equivalent
• Waterproof full leg cover
• Means to carry a minimum of 500 mL water
• Emergency food
• Map of route/area
• Compass

All runners must bring the above items to the race. The actual kit to be carried during the race will be finalised on the day, depending on conditions etc., and clearly advised at Registration.

You should also have the means to carry all the kit in case required.

Failure to have the required items may lead to you being denied entry to the race, or disqualification. Random checks may be carried out.

Entry details:

No entry details have been added for this event yet. Entries for league events usually open a couple of weeks before the event

Route Description:

The race will start saturday at noon and will continue into the night, the following day and as long as it takes to have only one runner completing one loop more than anybody else. The starting corral will be at the top of the main car park in Kilworth Woods. The majority of the course will be on wide pathes with a few short sections on narrower forest trails. The total elevation gain on each loop will be of about 125m. The course will be fully marked and there will be martials on course to direct participants for the first couple of laps. There won't be any aid stations along the course. Water and light refreshments will be provided near the start/finish corral. It is strongly reccomended, expecially for runners planning to go longer distances, to bring personal supplies. Runners can also bring a crew member to help, keeping in mind that help can only be provided at camp. No help is allowed along the course.

Getting There:

Follow directions for Glensheskin Woods

There are limited car parking spaces so please consider carpooling if possible.

Organisers Instructions:

A Backyard Ultra is an ultra marathon where runners complete a loop of 6.7 km every hour, and are eliminated if they fail to complete a loop in that hour or show up at the start of the next loop. Each loop starts on the hour and runners will have 1 hour to complete the loop. A warning is given 3, 2, and 1 minutes prior to the start and all participants must start at the bell (no late starts) Participants may not leave the course until each loop is completed, except for toilet breaks. No outside aid is allowed on the course, but runners can have crew at base camp. Trekking poles are not permitted. Unlike other marathons, there is no set distance for the end of the race. It continues until only one runner remains. The last runner remaining, after all others have been eliminated, is the winner. This can either be because the second last runner (“the assist”) does not complete the last loop within the hour or because the winner starts and finishes a loop by themselves. Backyard Ultras offer several positive aspects for runners. The format's simplicity, with hourly laps and a readily accessible aid station, can ease the stress and complexity often associated with longer races making them a great introduction to ultra running. Community and Camaraderie: Backyard Ultras foster a strong sense of community, as runners are often together for extended periods, leading to conversations, friendships, and mutual support. Simplified Nutrition and Hydration: Backyard Ultras provide a predictable structure for fueling and hydrating, making it easier to track consumption and adjust strategies as needed. Enhanced Crew Support: With runners returning to their aid stations every hour, crews have ample time to prepare and support the runner, fostering a relaxed and stress-free environment.

Volunteers (Non-Running)

You need to have done 2 non-running volunteer roles in a calendar year to qualify for end of year prize

Volunteers (Running)

Check with race director if they have a need for people volunteering and running. Race directors need a minimum number of people available throughout the race to make the race work so non-running volunteers are preferable. While it can be helpful, volunteering in a volunteer and race capacity does not count towards qualifying for end of year prize

Carpool