More than 60 entrants have signed up to take on the ultimate distance race and push themselves to the limit in the first Bermuda Backyard Ultra on Saturday.

Starting from Clearwater Beach, Southside, St David’s, runners must complete a 4.167 mile loop or “yard” each hour, starting on the hour, with any surplus time used for rest and recovery before beginning the next loop.

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

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.

“We’re delighted with the level of support for this first running of the event,” said Andy McComb, the Bermuda Backyard Ultra race director. “That we have surpassed our expectations is testament to the strength of the Bermuda running community and the generous support of our sponsors, contributors, and the efforts of the organising team.

“We are particularly pleased to have runners planning to run a wide variety of distances, everything from one loop to a few people planning to go for 24 hours plus and vie to be the “last person standing” and Bermuda’s inaugural Backyard champion.”

The day loop will include sections through Coopers Island before those runners still left in the event at 5pm will begin the night loop, which will take place entirely on the road for safety.

Anyone hoping to catch some of the action and support the runners can do so from the start and finish area adjacent to the Sunjammers beach bar, which will be serving refreshments between 8.30am and 4.30pm.

“Please feel free to come and support and help our local runners achieve their targeted loops but note the Backyard rules specify runners can only accept support between loops,” added McComb.

“Once crossing the start line each hour, runners can take supplies with them but are not allowed to accept food or drink from non-runners, or any runners who have withdrawn until they complete the loop, so please don’t tempt them!”

With some notable local ultra-runners in the field, and everyone running this format for the first time, the stage is set for an exciting first edition of the event which offers the prospect of Bermuda developing a team for the next Backyard Ultra World Team Championships, where 15 participants per country compete to run the most laps on aggregate as a nation.

In the recent edition, two Belgian runners set a new world record, achieving the feat of 101 ‘yards’ each – over four days – of consecutive running.

The Bermuda Backyard is raising funds for Raleigh Bermuda. Anyone wishing to donate can do so through the “Donate” button at https://runsignup.com/Race/BM/StDavids/BermudasBackyardRun.

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