Welcome to Bristol's first Backyard Ultra!

The Bristol Backyard Ultra is not a typical ultramarathon. It is a simple, relentless test of patience, pacing, and mental resolve, set within the historic parkland and woodland trails of Blaise Castle Estate in Bristol — close to the city, yet removed from it entirely.

There is no finish line to chase, no target time, and no fixed distance. Just a loop, a bell, and one question asked again every hour: can you go again?

The event follows the classic Backyard Ultra (Last One Standing) format. Runners complete a 4.167-mile (6.7 km) trail loop every hour, on the hour. You have 60 minutes to complete each loop. Finish early and you rest. Finish late, or fail to make the start line when the bell rings, and your race is over.

This repeats. Hour after hour.

The event continues until only one runner remains. That final runner must complete one last solo loop to be crowned Last One Standing. Every other participant, regardless of the distance they cover, is recorded as a DNF.

This is not a race about speed. It is about pacing, recovery, decision-making, and managing the mental challenge of repetition.

The course winds through the varied trails of Blaise Castle Estate, combining woodland paths, open parkland, and gently rolling terrain. Conditions will evolve as the hours pass, with sections that feel forgiving early on and more demanding later. The loop is fully marked and easy to follow, with no navigation required, allowing runners to focus solely on completing each lap and returning to the start before the next bell. Trail shoes are strongly recommended.

The Bristol Backyard Ultra is a self-supported event. Runners are responsible for their own nutrition, kit, and recovery strategy. Basecamp becomes central to the experience — a place to refuel, reset, and decide whether you are ready to line up again.

On site there will be toilets, designated event car parking, a clearly defined start and finish corral, space for personal support crews, and nearby amenities including a café, playground, and green space for friends and family who come to support.

While one runner will ultimately stand alone, this event is about far more than winning. Whether you complete one lap or twenty, whether this is your first ultra, first marathon distance, or longest run to date, every hour you choose to step back onto the line is an achievement.

Built around Gravel & Grit’s core values of inclusivity, integrity, and community, the Bristol Backyard Ultra welcomes runners of all backgrounds and experience levels. Everyone belongs on the start line.

When the bell rings again, the question is simple: will you go again?