race rules

Last updated: 28/10/2026

These rules apply to The Endless Yard events taking place on 29 May, 31 July and 25 September 2027 at Blunham, Bedfordshire, unless event-specific information says otherwise.

1. The format

The Endless Yard follows the open-ended backyard ultra format. Each yard is a measured 6.7056 km (4 miles 880 feet) loop or out-and-back route. Every remaining runner must start a new yard precisely one hour after the preceding start. There is no scheduled finishing distance or finishing time.

2. Starting procedure

All active runners must be inside the designated starting corral when the start signal sounds. Warnings will be given three, two and one minute before each start. Every competitor must start at the signal. Late starts are not allowed.

3. Completing a yard

Every yard must be completed in less than one hour to count, including the final yard. Anyone who fails to finish a yard in time, or fails to start the next yard on time, is eliminated.

4. On-course behaviour

Runners must follow the marked route. Other than for a necessary toilet break, a runner must not leave the course before completing a yard. No non-competitors, including runners who have withdrawn, may accompany a runner on the course. No personal assistance is permitted during a yard. Shared aid stations, if provided by the organiser, may be used in accordance with the race briefing. Artificial aids, including trekking poles, are prohibited. Slower runners must allow faster runners to pass safely.

5. Basecamp and crew

Runners may rest, eat, change clothing and receive crew assistance between yards in designated areas. Crews must follow site access and conduct requirements. Personal assistance on the course is not permitted. Babies and carers may use approved basecamp arrangements but may not accompany active runners on the course.

6. Night running and safety

The event may continue through the night. Runners must comply with the published mandatory kit, lighting and safety instructions. Organisers may take reasonable action in response to an immediate safety risk or serious rules breach. Any race suspension, cancellation or material change will be handled under the Entry and Cancellation Policy and applicable law.

7. Withdrawal

Runners may stop after any completed yard. A runner who withdraws must notify race control before leaving the venue. Completed yard totals will be recorded. The event team may require a runner to withdraw when reasonably necessary for participant safety.

8. Winner and results

There is one official race winner: the last remaining runner who completes one more yard than every other participant. If nobody completes an additional final yard, there is no winner. All other participants are technically recorded as DNF under backyard ultra rules, and their completed yards will still be published in the results, subject to appropriate privacy arrangements. Course record categories will cover male, female and non binary categories with each course record category being rewarded.

9. Milestone awards

The Endless Yard offers additional personal milestone awards which are separate from the official race winner classification. A marathon milestone award is available only when a runner voluntarily stops after exactly 7 completed yards (approximately 46.94 km). A 50-mile milestone award is available only after voluntarily stopping at exactly 12 completed yards (approximately 80.47 km). A 100-mile milestone award is available only after voluntarily stopping at exactly 24 completed yards (approximately 160.93 km). The marathon milestone is beyond the standard marathon distance. Starting a further yard ends eligibility for the earlier milestone medal.

10. Season championship

The season champion is determined by the highest combined number of completed yards across the three 2027 races. Each round also has its own official last-runner-standing winner. In the event of a tie break there will be no champion. In the event of a tie break the winner will be the runner who has completed the highest number of yards from a single round.

11. Equal recognition and respectful conduct

We will record and publish women's performances alongside the overall results, while retaining the single official backyard ultra winner. Competition category eligibility will follow the applicable race licensing rules. Participants, crews and spectators must follow our Participant Safety and Anti-Harassment Policy.

12. Questions

Contact hello@theendlessyard.com before entering if you have questions about eligibility, reasonable adjustments or any rule.