Capital Backyard Ultra is a Last Person Standing ultra marathon in Canberra, Australia. Elevation: 80m D+. Difficulty: challenging (Challenge Rating 39/100). DNF rate: 99%. Surface: trail. Established 2018.
Capital Backyard Ultra
Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
"Last person standing in the Australian bush. Canberra's eucalyptus forest, kangaroos, and endless loops."
Australia's premier backyard ultra — last-person-standing in the bushland around Canberra with native wildlife for company.
The Course
A classic backyard ultra format in the bushland around Canberra. The 6.706km loop runs through native eucalyptus forest on well-maintained trails with gentle rolling terrain. The Australian backyard ultra national championship.
rolling
backyard
1
Runner Experience
Standard aid station support with food, drinks, and basic medical assistance at regular intervals.
Warm, inclusive finish line with a strong community feel. Runners celebrate together regardless of finish time.
Race Day Weather
20°C
12° – 28°
45%
20%
Australian autumn — warm and generally dry. Cool nights. Pleasant running conditions.
Stats & Records
2018
1
Entry
AUD 150
August
weeks
Lore & Trivia
Named with a wink and not affiliated with the musician, Neil Young's Backyard Ultra is one of the many grassroots backyard events that sprang up globally after Lazarus Lake's format went viral. The simplicity of the concept — one 6.706km loop per hour, last person standing wins — has democratised ultra running in a way that traditional point-to-point races never could. No qualifying, no big entry fees, no travel logistics. Just show up and outlast everyone else.
- ▸ Australia has embraced the backyard ultra format with events in every state and territory.
- ▸ The Australian backyard ultra community is known for its relaxed, supportive atmosphere.
- ▸ Canberra's bushland setting provides a scenic backdrop of eucalyptus forest and kangaroo sightings.
- ▸ The winner represents Australia at the Big Dog's World Championship.
- ▸ Established in 2018.
Another backyard, another group of stubborn runners refusing to quit. The format works everywhere because the challenge is universal.
Notable Editions
Format Goes Global
Another year, another backyard ultra setting records. The format's continued growth proved that Lazarus Lake's invention had become a permanent fixture in the ultra running landscape, with hundreds of events worldwide.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Capital Backyard Ultra? +
Capital Backyard Ultra is a Last Person Standing ultra with 80m of elevation gain on trail terrain.
How hard is Capital Backyard Ultra? +
Capital Backyard Ultra is rated challenging with a Challenge Rating of 39/100 (Moderate). The DNF rate is 99%.
What is the weather like at Capital Backyard Ultra? +
Average temperature is 20°C (range 12°C to 28°C) with 45% humidity and a 20% chance of rain. Australian autumn — warm and generally dry. Cool nights. Pleasant running conditions.
Are crew and pacers allowed at Capital Backyard Ultra? +
Crew access is allowed. Pacers are not allowed.
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