Right in the middle. The race start/finish area is in the middle of the CBD at Victoria Park Lake. Close to all potentially required amenities, you can get to most things your crew might need within 5 minutes drive, or event walk. Supermarkets, 24 hour pharmacy, hotels, take away food are all available in very close proximity.

Yes, there is multiple areas for parking around the stat/finish area. There is a vacant block that is fenced off on the north side of the event that is un-timed parking, and will be the best possible option when it comes to long-term parking.

Short term parking is available within 10M of the start/finish area that can be used to unload equipment while you setup prior to the race. All vehicles will need to be moved from short term parking after unloading to ensure time limits are not enforced.

No vehicles will be allowed to park within the event perimeter at any point in the race, this is council regulation.

Yes, there will be a dedicated area for runners and their crew to set up and be organised for the long haul. Marquees will be limited to 3x3M for any one runner; however, you can increase size if you are sharing the space with others. 

Marquees are BYO, however, if you do not have one, please reach out early, and we can arrange rental of one at additional cost. 

Yes, there is a bank of public toilets beside the start/finish area that are accessible by all. There will also be a number of portable toilets brought in that will be specifically for runners and their crew to use. (We will ask however, that crew use the public toilets if the can to avoid overuse and potential overfilling of the portable toilets). Runners MUST have priority for the toilets, especially in the 10 minutes leading up to the hour.

There is also a public toilet block on the South side of Victoria Park Lake that is on the course that runners can use. 

There is a access to a small number of power boxes around the venue, runners are encouraged to make contact with the race director in the week leading up to the event to discuss access to power. The aid station area will include a 'camp kitchen' where there will be access to a microwave, kettle, toaster, and sandwich press. Additional power points will be accessible in this area for charging of devices.

There will be a large light tower set up on the north-east side of the event area pointing down over the marquees and the start/finish line. This should provide ample lighting both inside and outside of marquees.

Yes, runners will have access to a provided aid station with the basics on it (chips, lollies, fruit, etc) There will also be water and Tailwind Nutrition drink available. These are all provided at no additional charge. The 'camp kitchen' noted above under 'power' will also have noodle cups, soups, and tea/coffee available for all to access. 

Further to that, our friends at Sportsbeer© will be there with their non-alcoholic, electrolyte enhanced pale ales available to purchase throughout the event with each runner being eligible for 1 free product from them.

There will be a couple of options for food at the venue, and there are many cafes and food outlets within 500m of the event in the township. Coffee will be available for most of Saturday, and for shorter bursts for other times. This is due to limited availability from vendors due to staffing. 

The majority of the course is now paved (bitumen and concrete), however there is a portion both at the lake and at the botanical gardens that is gravel. This is a very compacted surface with a combination of fine and course gravel topping. There should be no need for running shoes that are designed for very muddy/slippery surfaces, but they don’t hurt. (That what I use)

Yes, there will be small markers placed on existing infrastructure at major turning points. These will be in the form of small laminated markers. They will NOT be illuminated at night. The course is very simple, and by the time it gets dark, you will know where you are going.

Yes. Weather in September can do anything, however we don’t see issues like freezing temperatures and snow (ever). So, rainproof clothing of some form is recommended, but will not be compulsory. The only compulsory item is a head torch.

On an alternative note, Backyard Ultra rules note that runners are not allowed aid on the course, which means that running poles are not only completely unnecessary here, but for the purposes of this event, they are illegal. 

No. Backyard Ultra rules say that a runner cannot have any form of aid while out on course. A pacer is aid, and will therefore see you disqualified. Use the other runners as pacers, but non-competitors are not allowed to run with you for any distance. Note, however that the course is a public path, and we cannot stop other people running the track. It is up to the discretion of the race director to determine if this rule is being broken. 

Hopefully this list provides information to answer your questions. However, if you still have questions. Please feel free to reach out to us on social media or through the contact us page on this website.