The Longbridge 100 Backyard Ultra

Brutal but Beautiful - Welcome to the inaugural running of The Longbridge Backyard Ultra. For those who have not taken part in a backyard ultra before then you’re in for a treat. It is a last-man/woman-standing event where you must begin a new lap on the hour, every hour. The race will only end when there is just one more runner remaining to start a lap. It’s sure to be an exciting and enjoyable event for runners and spectators alike with all the emotions guaranteed. There is a Winter and Summer event.

Whilst we do want to attract runners who can compete for days, we also want to stress that this event is open to everyone, especially if you haven’t taken part in a Backyard before. You will have so much support from myself, the team, and volunteers as well as other runners.

What are the specific rules regarding the Back Yard Ultra?

• The course will be at least 4.167 miles long.
• The starting corral will stay the same size throughout the event. When the bell rings at the start of the lap on the hour then you must be inside the starting corral. If you are not then you’ll receive a DNF and not be allowed to continue.
• Each loop starts precisely 1 hour after the last, and warnings will be given at 3, 2, and 1 minute prior to the start of the lap. All competitors must start at the bell (no late starts). Each loop must be completed within an hour to be counted… including the final lap.
• Except for restrooms, competitors may not leave the course until each loop is completed
• No non-competitors on the course (including eliminated runners) and no personal aid is allowed during the loop. This includes being passed items or handing a jacket back to your support team, once inside the corral or the next lap has begun. You can only have assistance between finishing one lap and entering the starting corral for the next lap. Once the runner starts the lap they must be fully by themselves. Cheering and support from team members are allowed from the race HQ and corral only.
• No artificial aids (including trekking poles).
• Slower runners must allow faster ones to pass
• If no runner can start one more loop than anyone else, there is no winner.
• All runners must wear a running watch to record each loop and their cumulative distance.

Where do I register/ pick up my race number?

You’ll be able to pick up your race number from midday on the date of the event at the start line. We will have access to Longbridge Barns at midday. Please allow yourself enough time to grab your number before the race briefing at 5:30pm and be ready for the start of the run at 6pm on Friday. If you want to arrive early to recce the route first before it gets dark that is fine.

How do I get there?

If you are arriving by car then please ensure you come with your support crew (1 support per runner). The location details are in the link below. If you want to reduce your travel carbon footprint, we are arranging a shuttle option from Berwick train station in an electric minibus at midday, 2pm and 4pm. We will also provide drop-back shuttle during times that the trains are operational (TBC). There will be an opportunity from midday to recce the course (in daylight) to familiarise yourself in readiness for the start. There is a local bus that runs from Berwick Station at 09:30am (see link) https://cuckmerebuses.org.uk/40.htm

Is there a time limit?

The only time limit is that you have to be back in the starting corral before the next lap begins on the hour every hour. If you are not in the starting corral when the bell rings then your event will be over. Each lap is 4.20 miles long (minimum distance), which means if you complete 4 laps you have done a half marathon, 7 laps, a full marathon and 8 laps or more will be classed as an Ultra. You can finish your event at any time and you’ll receive a DNF along with your DNF memento. There can be only one winner.

What do I get with my entry?

• A fully covered area (Barn buildings) for you and your support crew to base yourselves in to keep you and your equipment, provisions and kit dry.
• A fully unique and bespoke backyard momento for all 'Longbridge 100' runners with a bespoke Silver plated (SGS certified) 'Winner' coin and a handmade Longbridge Regenerative natural wool 'beanie' for the last person standing. Must do 1 complete yard on your own.
• All runners will get a DNF memento.
• The aid station is stocked with hot and cold water, bananas, and a selection of sweets and fruit for the runners
• Dedicated first aiders on site for the full event.
• An area for you and your support crew on the day/days is located inside The Longbridge Farm Barns. 
• Amazing support that you’d expect from a 3WordRuns event.
• Fully functioning toilets and urinals.
• Separate changing areas and toilets for female runners.

Is there an Aid station?

We will have a small aid station with lots of liquids and a small selection of fruits, sweets, and snacks. There will also be a Cafe (Cadence Cafe) operating during the daytime for you to purchase food, hot drinks and snacks adjacent to the starting corral. We will have extra tables for you to leave some items on if you don’t have a support crew. You are more than welcome to bring items for everyone or leave items for others after you have finished. The aid station and support crew area is located within/adjacent to The Longbridge Barn. There will also be free power for charging tech equipment.

What is the route?

The route is 4.2 miles long (6.78km) and runs through a mix of single paths and farm access roads. Underfoot you’ll have a mix of natural chalky flint and gravel tracks so I’d recommend trail shoes if possible. The course surface has the possibility of changing depending on the weather conditions at the time, but it will always be the same route.

The elevation for the Winter route is 180m. The elevation for the Summer version is 190m.

Timing System

In Lazarus' view, all you need is a couple of marshalls, a pad and a pencil to record the yards. At the Longbridge 100 we use a timing app called Webscorer where your loops/yards will be recorded along with your mileage, lap times and total race time. In addition we will be manually recording your laps and times by hand.

'The Barkley Effect' - Something a bit different. We will also be operating a token system at the 2nd turnaround point. Every runner will need to pick up a token at turnaround point 2 and bring it back to race HQ on every loop/yard. This needs to be completed on every loop/yard. No token = disqualification. This is based on Lazarus' pages out of a book system for the Barkley Marathons. All runners will keep the token for every loop/yard completed as proof in the bespoke memento box.

Running Sustainably

1. Waste Reduction

a. We are single use plastic and cup free and do not sell bottled water on site. Participants are encouraged to bring their own reusable cups or water bottles/hydration vests.

b. Water stations will provide water containers to refill hydration vests, reusable bottles, and waste bins will be labeled for proper segregation and disposal.

2. Eco-Friendly Materials:

a. Event signage and banners will be made from recycled or recyclable materials and we will only use re-usable cable ties.

b. Race bibs will be collected at the end of the race and re-used unless the runner wants it as a souvenir.

c. We will not provide foil blankets unless for emergency use.

3. Transportation:

a. We encourage participants to carpool or use public transport to get to the event.

b. We provide electric mini bus shuttle transfers from local train station to our events.

c. We promote biking or walking to the event through awareness campaigns on social media.

4. Energy Efficiency:

a. We use renewable energy sources for event operations where feasible. We provide solar panel phone charging (weather dependant).

b. If generators are used they will run on HVO (Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil)

5. Local Sourcing:

a. We only use local vendors for event merchandise and refreshments.

b. We only use local businesses that align with our sustainable practices.

c. Our events are only held on land that is either B Corp or has sustainable credentials.

d. We sign up to UNDO Carbon to ensure carbon travel from every runner at the event is offset, by spreading basalt rock powder on farmland which currently is the best form of carbon removal from the atmosphere. We sign up to remove 180kg's of Carbon every month which equals 2,160kg's of Carbon removal every year.

6. Waste Management:

a. We implement recycling and food composting stations throughout the event area.

b. We work with waste management partners to ensure proper disposal and recycling practices.

c. All food at aid stations is wrapper-less where possible.

7. Community Engagement:

a. We partner with local environmental organisations for educational initiatives to see how we can improve.

b. We organise post-race cleanup efforts to leave the event area pristine by way of a Plog.

9. Environmental Education:

a. We will include sustainability messages in pre-race communications via newsletter and social media.

b. We will also hold workshops or presentations on sustainability during the event.

10. Continuous Improvement:

a. We will collect feedback from participants on sustainability initiatives for future improvements.

b. Regularly assess and update sustainability practices based on advancements and best practices.

Longbridge Sustainability

"At Longbridge Regenerative, we use business as a tool for regenerating our planet, communities and profit. Our collection of businesses works with nature to challenge conventional systems that work against it. We pioneer a circular economy philosophy - a framework that is restorative and regenerative by design. We create impact by mimicking the success of nature: creating interconnected links between natural systems. Our community is paving the way for future generations to create systematic change and build long-term resilience."