Race Information.
Date, Start Time and Location.
The event kicks off at 4:00 PM Friday March 13th, 2026 at Doug Jennings Park, Main Beach Gold Coast.
The event will officially end once the second last runner (called the assist) stops running. The winner / last person standing can only complete one more yard once the assist has stopped, to claim victory.
Official Backyard ultra rules.
Course: The race can be set on a loop or out and back format. The course must measure 4 miles 880 feet in length, which is the metric equivalent of 6.7056 kilometers.
Starting Corral: The corral must be measured to fit the entire starting field and its size remains consistent throughout the event. Participants are required to be in the starting corral when the bell rings.
Start: Loops commence exactly 1 hour after the last, with warnings provided 3, 2, and 1 minutes before each start. All competitors must begin at the bell without exception.
Timing: While timing of the loops is optional, it is crucial to ensure each loop's completion within the hour.
Winner/Results: The last person to successfully finish a loop is declared the winner, with all other participants marked as DNF (Did Not Finish).
The total distance covered by each runner should be recorded. If no participant can finish one more loop than their competitors, the race will have no winner.
A full competitor brief with all the rules will be sent to runner’s in the weeks leading up to the race.
Mandatory gear.
Every participant must ensure they have the following essential items for the duration of the race:
A competitor bracelet (to be collected at registration). This will allow us to identify you throughout the weekend.
Head Torch: Make sure it's equipped with enough batteries to last for your anticipated race duration. As the terrain varies, and it’s through the bush, you’ll need a headtorch to be able to see at night. There are no street lights. We will have head torches on sale at the event precinct.
Mobile Phone: Ensure you have a charged mobile phone with the race director's contact numbers saved. This is crucial for communication and emergencies. Number to save: Chris Whitehall on 0406868640.
Water flask / cup. We’re a cup-less event (in fact, we’re committed to minimal waste) so you’re going to need to keep yourself hydrated. Water and electrolytes will be provided on site.
Recommended gear.
To ensure a comfortable and sustained race experience, especially given the unpredictable weather and the physical demands of the event, we suggest runners consider packing the following items:
Shelter and Chair: A gazebo, tent, or swag, firmly tethered, paired with a comfortable chair. You might also want a waterproof groundsheet or tarp to keep your space dry.
Note: Your gazebo must not be bigger than 3 metres x 3 metres. Your gazebo must also be weighed down with either weights. No string-lines or pegs are allowed.
Weather Protection: A waterproof rain jacket, hat, buff, sunscreen, and sunglasses. For the cooler hours or rest periods, bring items like a hoodie, blanket, sleeping bag, jacket, beanie, and gloves - essentially, warm gear that's easy to slip on and off.
Lighting: With no power at the personal aid stations, consider battery-powered lighting solutions for your gazebo or tent.
Nutrition and Hydration: A table for your food and drinks, an esky filled with ice, a backup head torch, and a secondary cup. Don't forget a reusable bowl and spoon, and ensure you pack a variety of easily digestible foods. We will have nutrition on site (see ‘what’s on GCBYU’)
Clothing: Spare clothes are essential, including an extra pair of shoes. Towels, additional socks, and other clothing items will help keep you fresh and comfortable. A backup head torch is also recommended.
First Aid and Personal Care: Pack a personal first-aid kit, which might include an emergency blanket, blister kit, sunscreen, lip balm, and a compression bandage.
Being well-prepared can make a significant difference in your race experience. While these items aren't mandatory, they'll likely enhance your comfort and performance throughout the event.
Space to set up?
We’ll have a communal area that is available for use for everyone. It will contain food, recovery supplies, water, and first aid.
Each runner is also entitled to a 3x3 space (first in, best dressed) to set up their gazebo and crew.
Runners and crew are able to set up their gazebos from 9 AM Friday March 13th, in preparation for the run that afternoon at 4pm.
Please note, camping is not permitted on site on Friday night, however, we have recommended accommodation options close by for your convenience.
Camping.
Unfortunately, we’re not permitted to camp on public land (separately to sleeping in your gazebo’s or marquee’s during the event, which is 100% fine!)
We also don’t want anybody driving home with little sleep, so here are the top RV or camping options for around Main Beach for you:
Broadwater Tourist Park website.
Main Beach Tourist Park (currently closed for renovations, but due to re-open Feb 2026) website.
There are also plenty of hotel / motel / Airbnb options via booking.com.
Milestones:
1 Yard | 6.706km
3 Yards | 20.1 km
6 Yards | 40.2 km
15 Yards | 100.5 km
24 Yards | 160.9 km
62 Yards | 281.8 km - Current Australian Women’s BYU record (currently held by Holly Ranson)
95 Yards I 637 km - Current world women’s BYU record (held by Sarah Perry)
100 Yards | 671 km - immediate qualification to Big Dog’s Backyard Ultra (world champs)
119 Yards I 797.3 km Current Australian and world BYU record (Currently held by Phil Gore)
120 Yards I 805.2 km - you will be the new world record holder.
Crew Information.
The race with no spectators.
The backyard race format is a unique experience, made even more enjoyable when shared with a support crew. We strongly encourage runners to have a support crew. However, remember that the actions of your crew directly impact your standing in the race. If they breach any rules, it could result in your disqualification.
Crew set up.
Whether you have crew or not, you’re welcome to come and set up your marquee from 9am March 13th. There will be marshals on site to help allocate you your spot and this will be done in a first in, best dressed situation. There will be food trucks and live music from 1pm, so there is no harm in coming early and getting amongst the action.
Mandatory runner and crew pre-race briefing.
We always recommend your crew (or at least one representative) attending the pre-race briefing at 3.30pm on race day.
Here we will provide further information about safety on course, help and resources for your crew (including amenities and food) and advice on what to do in case of emergencies.
Crew activities!
This race is held in a world class destination, so please - enjoy the beach, enjoy the beauty of the Spit and soak it all up. Crew are also encouraged to lean in to the recovery zone, and help yourself to food and hydration from the communal tent. We know just how hard it is to crew so if it’s available for the runner, it’s available for the crew.
Here are some support crew rules & times:
Crew Supplies: We suggest that all support crew bring enough essentials to stay energised and entertained.
It’s encouraged that the crew also read the ‘complete rules’ guidelines issues on race week.
Assistance Rules: Crews can only help a runner after they complete a yard. This strictly means no aid or exchanges while the runner is on a yard.
Course Etiquette: Support crews must never obstruct a runner's path or access to aid stations and must always follow instructions from race officials and volunteers.
Environment: Littering is prohibited. Let's keep the venue clean.
Facilities: Both runners and their crews have access to the toilets during the event AND to all communal areas. We want the crew to have AS MUCH FUN as the runners.
Children: They are welcome but are allowed only at a runner’s personal aid station, and always under an adult's direct supervision.
Pacer Policy: Pacer runners are not permitted at any stage of the race - unfortunately this will result in your runner being disqualified.
The other stuff.
The other stuff.
Refunds.
Refunds are not available for a GC BYU entry, however we do offer transfers.
Alternatively, you can transfer your entry to a mate for a minimal admin fee ($5). You can do this through logging into your entry (via link received upon registration confirmation email) and transferring over.
Volunteers.
We absolutely rely on a great bunch of volunteers to help bring this event together. If you’re interested in volunteering, please reach out via the contact form here.
All volunteers will receive a limited edition GC CREW BYU t-shirt, fractal cap and will be properly fed and hydrated throughout the event. They will also receive free entry to the 2027 Gold Coast Backyard ultra event for themselves or a loved one.