THE DISTRICT BYU

Backyard Ultra | 2027

Into the Woods, Cumbria

The five-star-rated Backyard Ultra in the Lakes is back for 2027.

After a sold-out first edition packed with personal bests, new friendships and unforgettable moments, the only official Lake District Backyard Ultra returns.

Big landscapes. Mountain backdrops. Country music. And one more yard.

Welcome to The District BYU.

The course

Set at Into the Woods, Cumbria, with incredible views towards Blencathra and the Lake District fells to the west and the Pennine Hills to the east, this is a Backyard Ultra with a setting like no other.

Each 4.167-mile / 6.706km loop takes you through woodland, trails and open countryside, with 325ft of elevation per yard.

Yes, there is a hill. But in a location this awesome, you would expect one! The course is highly runnable, with enough variety to keep things interesting and views that make the climb worthwhile.

Same loop. Different experience every hour.

The record to chase

Our inaugural event saw Danielle MacGill take the win and set the course record at an incredible 33 yards: 137.5 miles.

Darren took the assist, helping push the race to its unforgettable finish. In a Backyard Ultra, the winner needs someone willing to keep going alongside them. That shared effort is what makes this format so special.

Can anyone take it further in 2027?

Whether you are chasing the record, your first ultra or a distance you never thought possible, your challenge starts with the same thing.

One more yard.

The format

One loop. One hour. Every hour.

You must finish each yard within the hour and be back in the starting corral when the next one begins.

Finish early and the remaining time is yours to eat, rest and reset. Miss the next start or fail to complete your yard in time, and your race is over.

The last runner to complete a solo yard wins.

One winner. A hundred different reasons to keep going.

Make a weekend of it

This is a rare opportunity to spend a full weekend in the Lakes with your crew, your support team and a community of people who understand why you would choose to run round the same loop all weekend.

Live music returns on Friday evening, alongside some great food vendors. Get your tent up, grab something to eat and settle in for an evening with friends before the serious business starts.

We also have a new camping layout for 2027. Arrive early on Friday for the best choice of pitch, get your race base ready and make the most of the whole weekend. Arrival times will be confirmed in the athlete pack.

Expect plenty of Heart & Soul flavour throughout. Boots, barns, cowboys, good music and a supportive yard that keeps cheering long after the sun goes down.

If LSD is rave barn chaos, The District is its country cousin.

Same Heart & Soul energy. Different soundtrack.

Recovery, relaxation and a little luxury

Our wellness area features saunas and ice baths, available for an optional additional fee. Ideal for making a little more of your weekend, whether you are running, crewing or cheering from the sidelines.

Fancy upgrading your stay? Treehouses are also available to hire, giving you the option of a little extra luxury in this incredible setting.

Wellness and accommodation booking information will be shared ahead of the event. Additional charges apply, and availability is limited.

Camping and crew

Weekend camping is included for athletes and crew sharing the athlete’s tent, so your support team can be part of the whole experience, including Friday night.

If your crew or supporters are bringing an additional tent, please add a camping pass when booking.

Bringing a campervan or motorhome? Please select the relevant campervan option so we can manage space on site.

Each competitor will have a 3m × 3m race pitch for their setup. Bring your shelter, chairs, kit boxes and everything you need to make your base your own.

Your race, your goal

You do not need to be chasing the win to belong here.

You might be attempting your first Backyard Ultra, chasing a distance PB or coming back to discover whether you have a few more yards in you.

The District brings together first-timers and experienced ultra runners in the same corral, on the same course, with the same hour to get it done.

Competitive, welcoming and full of people willing you to keep going.

Entry offers

We want to reward proven Backyard Ultra performances:

Won a Backyard Ultra in the last two years? Claim a free entry.

Completed 30+ yards at a Backyard Ultra? Claim 50% off entry.

Please select the relevant ticket option when entering. We reserve the right to verify results.

Come prepared

This is a self-supported event. We will provide an aid station with water and basic supplies, but you should bring the food, fuel and equipment you need throughout your race.

We will have food vendors on site, but please do not rely on them for your full race nutrition.

Plan for changing weather, darkness and a potentially long stay. Warm clothing, waterproofs, headtorches, charging banks and a comfortable setup will all help you get the most from your weekend.

The full athlete pack, arrival details and final event information will be sent to entrants before race weekend.

The first edition sold out. Places are limited, and we expect tickets to go fast.

Bring your crew. Make a weekend of it. Find out what you are capable of.

One yard at a time.

Go round again.

Description supplied by the event organiser.