Distance runners will be able to test themselves to the limit in the first ever Bermuda Backyard Ultra.

The event which will be held at Clearwater Beach, Southside, St David’s on Saturday, December 3, features a relatively new race format in which runners must complete a 4.167 mile loop or “yard” each hour, starting on the hour.

Most participants aim to set their own personal best number of yards or distance, while seasoned ultra-runners will vie to be the last person standing.

All runners start together on the hour and continue until they fail to complete a yard in the allotted time or they voluntarily withdraw.

The longest distance recorded in a backyard ultra event is 90 laps (375 miles) by Belgian Merrjn Geerts.

The Backyard format is growing rapidly around the world, with Bermuda now joining the ranks of host countries and providing a route for Bermuda runners to qualify for Big’s Backyard individual and team world championships.

While the organisers have aspirations of growing this event to attract overseas participants in future, the first year is focused on providing as many Bermuda residents as possible with the opportunity to set their personal best and to have fun in a welcoming, friendly event.

Showcasing some of the best of Bermuda scenery and featuring varied terrain, the event will be an enjoyable challenge for runners of every level.

“Gary Cantrell invented the Backyard Ultra race format. He is a very interesting character and also the Founder and Race Director of the Barkley Marathon,” said Andy McComb, the Bermuda Backyard Ultra race director.

“The original backyard ultra is the Big Dog’s Backyard Ultra which is named after his dog and has grown so much in popularity that it is now an invitational race where the top competitors participate based on wins in various American and international backyard ultras.

“The Bermuda Backyard Ultra is recognised as an official backyard ultra-qualifier event.

“Bermuda Backyard Ultra will have a fundraising component and funds raised will be donated to the charity Raleigh Bermuda to supports its youth programmes [www.raleigh.bm].

“We welcome runners of all abilities to come out and support the inaugural Bermuda Backyard Ultra. Some folks will do one or two laps, while others might strive to continue on for 24 hours or more. The event will carry on until there is a last person standing.”

The registration fee for the event is $50 and is now open on Run Sign Up at https://runsignup.com/Race/BM/StDavids/BermudasBackyardRun.

Donations for Raleigh Bermuda can also be made through the Run Sign Up site.

For additional information please visit www.bermudabackyard.com or contact: bdabackyardultra@gmail.com