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to deviate from the course (except to use the bathroom) or permitted outside aid until they have finished the loop or withdrawn.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 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
N.B., THERE IS A CHANGE TO THE DAY LOOP FOR 2026 (video below does NOT reflect this). Please pay attention at race briefing and follow marshals.
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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
2026
Florin Teleman ran 117 miles to claim a second consecutive victory in the Bermuda Backyard Ultra.
Florin outlasted 2025’s assist, Philip Woollins, and national record holder Jason Williams. In completing his 28th lap, and with Jason's help as the assist, Florin also tied the course record set by Williams in 2024.
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For Woollins, 24 loops represented a new personal best as he became the fourth man to reach the 24 hour mark at the Bermuda event.
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More than a day before the race reached its denouement, a record number of runners made it to the start-line, finding themselves confronted by a slight change to the course, including a third beach.
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Between loops, runners cooled down with Anne’s cold towels, grazed on carbs (or Marty's burgers), and massaged aching muscles. Some were even snapped salsa dancing. Records would continue to tumble throughout the day. 31 runners completed at least one night loop, with 17 passing 50 miles (12 loops), and 13 passing 100km (15 loops).
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Lorita Su was the last woman standing, completing 17 laps, and amazingly still making her 8am flight. James Roberts, Rose-Anna Hoey, Rich Howells, and first-timer Dave Courcy likely secured spots on the Bermuda Team for October’s World Team Championships by reaching 16 yards or more, with the qualifying mark set to fall at 15. Lots will likely be needed to settle ties at that number, an astonishing advance from 2024, when 8 yards earned some runners their spots.