You will need to be quick if you fancy taking on Bermuda’s most unique running challenge this year.

With just 150 places up for grabs and a deadline of November 18 to register, there is bound to be fierce competition just to make the start line for Run Bermuda’s Backyard, which will take place on December 2 at Clearwater Beach in St David’s.

The second edition of the event is sponsored by MonumentRe and organisers hope that the unique nature of the race, which consists of competitors having to complete a 4.167 mile (6,706 metres) loop (or “Yard”) every hour on the hour in the aim to be the last runner standing, will again attract a bumper entry.

Last year’s event raised $10,000 for Raleigh Bermuda’s youth life skills programmes, with the same charity benefiting this year as all entry fees will be donated. There is also a chance for people to donate when signing up on the website.

This year’s runners face a daunting task if they are to beat the standard set by 2022 winner Fabrizio Alvera, who completed 25 yards, the equivalent of 104 miles over more than 24 hours.

There is also added incentive this year with the winner and runner-up earning automatic qualification for the Bermuda team at the next Team World Championships in October 2024, while there is also an added element of team participation.

Race co-ordinator Andy McComb is hopeful that the event will now provide a gateway for international competition.

“We want to continually develop this event to make it interesting and enjoyable for runners of all abilities, as well as providing local ultra runners with the opportunity to show their talents on home soil and qualify for team and individual world championships,” McComb said.

“By introducing a corporate team event we are providing an extension of the workplace for colleagues to come together and support each other in achieving a new running milestone while raising funds for a worthy cause.”