The rules
The rules of a backyard ultra are set by the international standards. These rules are very simple, and have been set to ensure that all runners that may qualify for championships have qualified in similar circumstances. These rules are non-negotiable, and not even the RD can over-rule them.
The start of every loop
- Each loop will start ON the hour.
- There will be a whistle blow each minute for the 3 minutes leading up to the hour mark so that runners are aware of time approaching.
- Runners MUST be within the starting corral before the top of the hour.
- Any runner that is not in the starting corral at the top of the hour, will be disqualified.
The Loop
- Except for the use of the restroom, competitors may not leave the course at any point until the loop is complete.
- No non-competitors are allowed on the course, this includes eliminated runners. Note: this event is on public land, and others may be on the paths. Please ensure you are courteous to other path users. Also, based on this rule, if someone (non-competitor) starts to run with you, please politely inform them that they may cause you to be eliminated, and that you cannot run with them. Please notify the RD if you have issues regarding this.
- No personal aid. This includes anything from grabbing a drink bottle from someone to handing off some unwanted equipment. You must complete each loop with the same equipment that you left with, and must not meet with crew on the course. This also includes medical intervention. If you require urgent medical assistance, please contact the RD, and that will be arranged, however, you will be eliminated if you receive medical aid on the course. Aid will be available at the start/finish line if you need it.
- Each loop must be completed within the hour to be counted, including the final loop.
- No artificial aids. Runners are not allowed to use any equipment that will assist them over others, this includes, but is not limited to running poles. Head torches are not included in this and are mandatory for any night loops.
Winning
- The winner is person that completes one final loop after all other runners have resigned.
- All others are technically a DNF
- Results of each runners achievements by time and distance will be available on the event Facebook page the day of the event, and will be provided to each runner individually.
- In the instance that nobody goes any further than any other, there is not a tie, there is no winner.
Mandatory Equipment
Head Torch - For all night loops, runners will be required to be wearing and using an operational head torch.