Kent Backyard Ultra | Round Three: Sholden
Sat 7 Mar 2026 Deal, Kent, UK

Kent Backyard Ultra | Round Three: Sholden

The Backyard Ultra format is simple: Run a 4.167-mile loop (a “yard”) every hour, on the hour, until only one runner remains. Finish within 60 minutes to stay in. Miss the bell, and you're out.

2 races

  • Sat 7 Mar 2026
  • #1 of 2
Lillyroo’s, Deal

7 Hour Challenge

09:00

Age 16 & over

£73-£75

  • 7 hrs trail running + 0 ft ascent
  • Sat 7 Mar 2026
  • #2 of 2
Lillyroo’s, Deal

Full Backyard Ultra

09:00

Age 16 & over

£113-£115

  • 1 day trail running + 0 ft ascent

Event overview

Backyard Ultras can be challenging — but they’re also one of the most sociable events out there.

You’ll run together, rest together, and push through together, one yard at a time.

Round Three takes place at Lillyroo's, a peaceful, family-friendly venue just outside Deal. You’ll be running on a wide, flat out-and-back gravel trail, with just 8 metres of ascent per yard — one of the flattest Backyard Ultras in Europe. It is your chance to find out what you’re really capable of — not in a blaze of glory, but one quiet hour at a time.

How it works

  • You run a 4.167-mile loop, known as a “yard” every hour, on the hour.
  • You must finish within 60 minutes and be back in the starting corral ready to go again.
  • If you don’t make it in time, or choose not to continue, you’re out.
  • At the start of the next hour, everyone who’s still in goes again.
  • This continues until only one runner completes a yard on their own, that person is the Last One Standing.
  • Because you can’t outrun the clock, most people naturally stick together, forming chatty, supportive groups out on the course.
  • You run together, rest together, and go again together.
  • It’s a rare format where everyone’s on the same journey, no matter how far they plan to go.

Stand on the line. Go yard by yard. Let’s see what happens next.

  • Average fitness
  • Event village
  • Newcomers
  • Spectators

The 2025/26 Series

Here is the Kent Backyard Ultra Series:

  • Round One | 14 Nov 2025 | Vigo Rugby Club
  • Round Two | 10 Jan 2026 | Great Farthingloe Farm, Dover
  • Round Three | 7 Mar 2026 | Lillyroo's Campsite, Sholden, Near Deal
  • Round Four | 26 Jun 2026 | Bedgebury National Pinetum, Goudhurst

Each round is a new challenge. Whether you’re after farmer’s fields, dry gravel tracks, or forest trails, there's something for you.

Support crew

You can have a small crew with you at the event base to assist between loops (food, kit, encouragement, tough love, etc.). Just keep it low-key — space is limited, and this isn’t Glastonbury. Crew aren’t allowed to pace you or provide outside assistance on the course — only at base between yards.

Night running & safety

Night running can feel intimidating — especially if you’re arriving solo. So here’s how it will be safer, more welcoming, and better supported for everyone:

  • The course is clearly marked throughout
  • Marshals are stationed in key locations
  • A dedicated sweeper follows each yard
  • You’ll never be far from others — this is a shared experience
  • Everyone sets off together; everyone returns together
  • If you’d like to be paired with someone for your first lap or two, just ask at registration and it will happen
  • This format is built on community; you won’t be alone out there

  • Bag storage
  • Cafe
  • Free parking
  • Rural
  • Toilets

Event HQ

Lillyroo’s
Deal
Kent
CT14 0AT
UK

Races at event

  • Sat 7 Mar 2026
  • #1 of 2
Lillyroo’s, Deal
7 Hour Challenge

09:00

Age 16 & over

£73-£75

  • 7 hrs trail running + 0 ft ascent
  • Sat 7 Mar 2026
  • #2 of 2
Lillyroo’s, Deal
Full Backyard Ultra

09:00

Age 16 & over

£113-£115

  • 1 day trail running + 0 ft ascent