Beecraigs Backyard Ultra
25th April 2026
The last runner standing. A race with no finish line. A test of mental grit, physical endurance, and everything in between.
Whether you’re chasing your first ultra or chasing a national team slot, the format is simple:
Run one 4.167-mile loop every hour, on the hour, until only one runner remains.
This is the Beecraigs Backyard Ultra — Scotland’s newest addition to the global Backyard Ultra family.
Where?
Beecraigs Country Park
Near Linlithgow, West Lothian, Scotland
Nestled in the Bathgate Hills, Beecraigs offers forest trails, wildlife, and wide open skies — and in April, everything from crisp spring mornings to dark, moody night loops.
We’ll send out detailed directions, site access info, and GPS links in your final race pack.
🔁 What Is a Backyard Ultra?
A Backyard Ultra strips racing back to its rawest form.
No medals for second place.
No set distance.
No easy way out.
At 10:00am sharp, everyone sets off together on a 4.167-mile loop.
Finish within the hour, and you earn the right to start the next lap at 11:00am. And again at 12:00pm. And so on.
If you don’t make it back in time? You’re out.
If you don’t make it to the corral before the bell? You’re out.
The race only ends when the last one runner standing completes a solo lap. Everyone else is a DNF.
💡 What’s Included?
Your entry covers:
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Race participation and timing
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Parking for one vehicle
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Access to camping area (tent or small shelter)
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Covered rest area (for those without tents)
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Drinks and basic snacks (runners only)
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Toilets
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Live results and lap tracking
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DNF memento for all who take part
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Trophy for the last runner standing
🌲 Course Info
Each lap is 4.167 miles (6.7056 km) — the official Backyard Ultra distance.
The route follows a mix of forest trail, gravel paths, and undulating woodland tracks with
approximately 150m elevation per loop.
It’s runnable, scenic, and just hilly enough to keep you honest.
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The loop is the same every hour.
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Route markings will be clear and consistent.
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GPX and Strava links will be published ahead of the event.
⛺ Camping + Parking
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Each runner gets:
o One parking space
o One tent or small shelter space in the camping zone
You’re welcome to bring a support crew — just keep vehicles and structures modest to respect space limits.
🚻 Facilities
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Toilets on site
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Hot and cold water
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Covered rest marquee
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First aiders on site at all times
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Self-service table with:
o Water
o Squash
o Tea + Coffee (bring a mug!)
o Fruit + snacks
Please bring your own food and fuel — especially if you're going deep into the race.
🎒 Kit List
Compulsory:
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Head torch, chest torch or waist torch
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Hi-vis or reflective clothing for after dark
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Race number (you’ll get this at registration)
Recommended:
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Weather-appropriate layers (April can bring anything)
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Reusable bottle or cup
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Trail shoes
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Warm clothing for crew or downtime
Ultimate Backyard Ultra Training Guide
🧡 Be Part of the Community
Whether you’re racing, crewing, or just curious — come join the Beecraigs Backyard Ultra Facebook Group. It’s where we’ll share updates, answer questions, and build the buzz together.
Important
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Runners may leave the course only to use the toilet.
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You must check out at Race HQ when you DNF or withdraw.
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The winner is the last person standing and must complete a lap solo
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If no one completes a solo lap, there is no winner
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All other runners are classified as DNF (and yes, you’ll get a shiny memento for it)
In Case of Cancellation
We’ll go ahead in almost all conditions.
The only exception is if the Park Ranger’s deems the site unsafe due to severe weather (e.g. sustained high winds).
If that happens, we’ll offer a rescheduled date (TBA) or a partial refund.