THE RACE
RULES
The rules are simple - whoever runs the most loops wins
Participants run a designated 4.167 mile loop, every hour, on the hour, until only one runner is left.
Runners must be in the starting corral on the hour or declared forfeit.
A maximum of two support crew per participant will be allowed; the support village will be found next to the corral.
Once a loop has started, runners are not allowed to deviate from the course (except to use the bathroom) or permitted outside aid until they have finished the loop or withdrawn. Food or drink can be consumed during a loop but it must be carried from the start corral or provided by another runner. As this is a zero impact event, runners must also carry any litter / empty bottles with them to the finish line for proper disposal.
The person who runs one more full 'yard' (loop) than the next participant is declared the winner.
All other runners are declared DNF, but many will have achieved their own milestones or completed a specific milestone (see below)
RACE DETAILS
Start Line
The starting corral will be on the field outside Sunjammers, next to Clearwater Beach, Cooper's Island
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Bathrooms will be available at the start / finish area.
Support crew
Participants may bring their own support crew to provide aid between loops (note that support crew are not allowed on the course and may not provide aid once a loop has started). Support crews are limited to a maximum of 2 people per competitor.
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This is a no-frills event. Chairs, shelter and food for competitors will not be provided by the organisers. However, We have partnered with Sunjammers who will provide a limited range of food and refreshment options for purchase at preferential pricing for our event from 08:30 until 16:30 on 2nd December. We will be providing runners with drink tickets for use on that day. After Sunjammers closes, we will have some refreshments available for those runners who finish after closing time.
Medical
There will be medical support courtesy of St John's Ambulance at the start / finish corral, but this is limited to emergency support only. Please come prepared to provide your own support for minor injuries like blisters.
Hydration
Water will be available at the start corral. Participants should bring anything else they wish to drink with them to leave in the support area.
Merchandise
Each runner making the start line on 2nd December will receive a small goody bag. Please note that this will not include event t-shirts.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Day Loop - Click map for interactive view
Challenging yet ever changing, the Day Loop follows trails and beaches. The trail is not technical, but is sandy, rocky and has some tree roots. Perfect for helping you to pay attention to where you put your feet!
Remember to take in the views of the beaches and the Atlantic Ocean, and if you are lucky enough to make it to dawn, then the first loop of the 2nd day should reward you with a spectacular sunrise.
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It is a privilege for our event to have permission to transit Coopers Island Reserve so please strictly observe the protocol of carrying everything you take in out with you again. There are a couple of trash cans in the park. If you inadvertently drop anything or see others drop anything, please collect and dispose of it appropriately.
Night Loop - Click map for interactive view
THE NIGHT LOOP WILL START JUST BEFORE SUNSET AT 5PM AND WILL BE THE ROUTE USED UNTIL THE FIRST DAY LOOP OF DAY 2 (IF REQUIRED)
DAY 2 DAY LOOPS WILL START AT 7AM [= 14 NIGHT LOOPS TO MAKE IT THROUGH THE NIGHT!]
Even pathways and open, quiet roads makes the Night Loop manageable. A gentle hill mid-way provides a modicum of interest to keep the mind and body engaged. There is a steeper but short hill near to the Airport Control Tower where you will reach the highest point of our course with views (all be it at night) of Castle Harbour and St. George’s Harbour.
Event Recap
2022
The inaugural Bermuda Backyard Ultra was run in challenging conditions on 3rd-4th December 2022.
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After a briefing from Race Director Andy McComb and inspiring speeches from title sponsor Monument Re and charity partner Raleigh, the event began with the apt striking of a (Bermuda) triangle.
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From there, laughs and upbeat conversation became the new percussion as runners battled through 25-30 knot winds, the odd shower, and even against the rising tide that made the beach section tricky by the afternoon loops.
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When the night loop began at 5pm, 13 runners remained, many in terra incognito, running further than they ever had before. 11 of those went on to reach double figures. When James Roberts, a former Marathon des Sables finisher, retired after 12 laps, five brave, sore runners continued beyond the 50 mile mark. Florin Teleman and Philip Woolins hit 15 loops. Rose-Anna Hoey was the last woman standing, achieving 17 laps. From that point it was a two-man duel. For seven hours and over 28 miles Jason Williams and Fabrizio Alvera battled through the night alone, dodging a trench cut across the road loop a few nights before. Jason, a seasoned ultra-runner whose credentials include a Leadville 100 finish, stuck to his strategy of run-walking, while Fabri continued to set a fast pace, having regularly run 32-35 minute laps through the day loops. Both crossed the line for the 24th time, reaching 100 miles of running, leaving suspense around whether one or both would emerge for, as Fabri enthusiastically cried out each lap, "one more". Eventually only the irrepressibly sprightly Fabri began the 25th 'yard', completing his final loop in 44 minutes to claim the inaugural title and set Bermuda's new national record.