2.4. Kent Backyard Ultra Series - Bedgebury

Friday 16th July 2027

Start Time: 9:00 PM

Venue: Bedgebury National Pinetum & Forest, Kent

Entry Cap: 250 runners

Current Course Record: Josh Woods - 30 yards

The Format

Backyard Ultra is simple.

You run a 4.167-mile yard every hour, on the hour.

You must finish within 60 minutes and be back in the starting corral ready to go again.

If you don’t make it back in time, or choose not to continue, you’re out.

At the start of the next hour, everyone still in goes again.

This continues until only one runner completes a yard on their own.

That runner becomes the Last Person Standing.

Only one runner can finish a Backyard Ultra.

Everyone else is declared DNF.

That is the format.

Because you cannot outrun the clock, most runners naturally settle into groups out on the course.

You run together.

You rest together.

You go again together.

It is a rare format where every runner starts equal, no matter how far they plan to go.

The Venue

2.4. Bedgebury is the fourth and final event of the Kent Backyard Ultra Series 2026/27.

The series ends at Bedgebury National Pinetum & Forest, home to the National Pinetum and one of the standout forest venues in the country.

This is not just another trail race setting.

Bedgebury gives the final the scale, atmosphere and presence it deserves.

Wide forest trails.

Runnable gravel tracks.

Rolling climbs.

A sunset start inside the National Pinetum & Forest.

A course that rewards patience, control and consistency.

This is where Series II reaches its final chapter.

The Course

Out-and-back format

Wide, runnable gravel forest trails

Rolling forest terrain

One route used for both day and night

Easy access to your base between yards

Current course record: Josh Woods - 30 yards

This course is built for rhythm.

It gives you room to move, space to settle, and enough bite to slowly ask questions as the hours build.

It does not need to break you early.

It waits.

Entry Info

Capped at 250 runners

Open to anyone aged 16+

Interest-free payment plans available

No booking fees

No admin fees

No hidden extras

Whether you are aiming for your first Backyard Ultra, chasing 100 miles, coming back for the series, or hunting the course record, every runner starts the same way.

One yard.

One hour.

One decision.

Go again.

Part of the 2026/27 Series

Bedgebury is the fourth and final event of the Kent Backyard Ultra Series 2026/27.

Four events.

Four venues.

One leaderboard.

2.1. Vigo - Friday 16th October 2026

2.2. Dover - Saturday 9th January 2027

2.3. Sholden - Saturday 3rd April 2027

2.4. Bedgebury - Friday 16th July 2027

Each location brings something different.

Vigo sets the standard.

Dover asks the first big questions.

Sholden strips it back.

Bedgebury decides the series.

Every yard you complete adds to your series total.

Medals & Buckles

Your effort always counts.

Complete at least 1 yard: Kent Backyard Ultra medal

Complete 24 yards / 100 miles: Bronze Buckle

Be the Assist: Silver Buckle

Be the Last Person Standing: Gold Buckle

Most total yards across the series: Black Buckle

Only one runner can finish.

Everyone else is declared DNF.

But every yard still matters.

How the Series Works

You can enter the events you want.

Every yard you complete is added to your series total.

Your overall distance is tracked and ranked across the full Kent Backyard Ultra Series.

Whether you are coming for one event, building towards 100 miles, or chasing the Black Buckle, every hour counts.

Recommended Kit

Waterproof jacket with taped seams

Headtorch, minimum 300 lumens

Spare battery or backup light

Trail shoes with suitable grip

Reusable bottle or cup

Enough food to fuel your effort

Hat and sun cream

Runners are responsible for making sensible kit choices based on the weather, conditions and how long they expect to continue.

The Way We Run Things

Hellfire Events keeps things clear.

No booking fees.

No admin fees.

No last-minute price hikes.

Interest-free payment plans available at checkout.

We plan every event around one question:

How would we want to be treated if we were standing on that start line?

That means clear communication, proper event setup, live timing, marked routes, marshal support, first aid, toilets, shelter, camping options and awards that mean something.

Community & Night Running

Backyard Ultra is a solo effort, but you are never alone.

On this out-and-back course, you will pass other runners throughout the yard.

There is time to talk, share encouragement, and keep each other moving.

As the sun sets over Bedgebury, the forest changes.

The headtorches come on.

The hours get quieter.

The decisions get bigger.

That is when Bedgebury starts to show what the format is really about.

Ready for the Final?

2.4. Bedgebury is the final event of the Kent Backyard Ultra Series 2026/27.

By the time runners reach the National Pinetum & Forest, the miles will already be in the legs.

The leaderboard will be live.

The Black Buckle race will be taking shape.

The course record will be waiting.

Wide trails.

Rolling forest.

A sunset start.

One last chance to go further.

Take your place on the start line.

One yard at a time.

Description supplied by the event organiser.