Race Briefing Information

Event Overview

·       First lap starts: 9:00am sharp

·       Each loop is 6.706km

·       You must start a new lap every hour, on the hour

·       You will hear 3-minute, 2-minute, and 1-minute warnings

·       When the bell rings on the hour, you must be inside the start corral

·       If you are not in the corral at the bell, your race is over

·       Once a lap begins, no outside assistance is allowed

·       You must complete each loop within 60 minutes to continue

Registration

·       Registration will take place on Thursday between 3:00 – 7:00pm

·       Outside of these hours, registration is by prior arrangement only and must be organised via email with the race directors

Course Overview

·       Start / finish is located on the Hokitika beachfront

·       Terrain includes trail, compact sand, and gravel paths

·       This is the flattest Backyard Ultra course in New Zealand

·       Watch for soft sand, tree roots, puddles (if wet), and uneven terrain

·       When passing under the Hokitika bridge, please mind your head – it is clearly signposted

Course Direction

·       The course begins with an out-and-back along the beachfront (short loop)

·       You then continue toward the Westland Milk factory on the cycle trail (long loop)

·       Turnaround is clearly marked at Westland Milk

·       On return, you’ll rejoin the track closer to the river at Wadeson Island, where volunteers will guide you

·       The course is well marked with cones, arrows, and signage throughout

Safety & Support

·       If you are injured, or find someone who needs help, alert the next volunteer immediately

·       If someone needs help, stop and help them, even if it jeopardises your race

·       First aid and medical support are available at Race HQ

·       If you choose to withdraw, you must check in at the timing desk before leaving 

Crew Rules

·       Crews must remain within the designated tent zone

·       Crews may not enter the course or assist runners during a lap

·       Crew assistance is allowed between laps only

Rules & Key Reminders

Standard Backyard Ultra rules apply:

·       You must be in the start corral before the final bell

·       You must be making forward progress once the bell rings

·       You may step over the line and then stop to adjust gear, but you must cross the line

·       No pacing or assistance once a lap begins

·       Crews may not hand you clothing or nutrition once a lap has started

·       You must remain within the start area during rest breaks

·       Race bib and headlamp are compulsory equipment when instructed and must be carried at all times

Remember: there is only one finisher — the Last One Standing. Everyone else receives a DNF, regardless of distance. That’s the beauty of the format.

Facilities & Logistics

·       Toilets are available throughout the event village:

o   Portaloo facilities

o   Beachfront public toilets

o   A Portaloo located on the long loop near the turnaround

·       Water and aid refills are available at Race HQ

·       Please manage your rubbish — pack in, pack out

·       You are responsible for your marquee and set-up, including lighting. You will require lighting during night-hours in your marquee. 

Parking (Important)

No parking is permitted at Sunset Point or along the Hokitika beachfront

This is a busy tourist area and we want to maintain access for locals and visitors. Once the event has started, we strongly encourage you to leave your vehicle at your accommodation.

Parking is available within the Hokitika township, within walking distance of the event.

Timing, Communication & Updates

·       Event updates will be posted on Facebook and Instagram

·       Manual lap counts will be uploaded to the event website throughout the race

Photography

Photos will be available free of charge on our Facebook page and website following the event.

If you do not wish to be photographed, please place your arms across your face in a clear cross shape when approaching the photographer so this is obvious.