EVENT REVIEWS
Since 2024
Verified by
Mark Livingston
★★★★★
My first Backyard Yard Ultra and Manchester did not disappoint. Brilliantly organised by Lorraine and Lee, with amazing volunteers and competitors and the best atmosphere. Storm Amy just added to the fun and the organisers rolled with it - although the Gazebo count was mounting by the end 😁 Great race organised by people who love the sport - what more could you ask for.
Oct 2025 — Verified Review
Grace Talbot
★★★★★
Manchester backyard ultra was such a brilliant event. The team managed to keep spirits high, and keep the race on in some crazy conditions. I came to the event solo and unsupported, but I honestly felt like I had my own crew after each yard with all the support! Additionally there was a great selection of hot and cold food and drink, as well as a fab communal gazebo and nice warm scout hut for us to warm up in. Just a great time, good vibes, and well run event.
Oct 2025 — Verified Review
Mary Jack
★★★★★
Loved every moment of this event! The atmosphere was great!
Oct 2025 — Verified Review
Luke Nibbs
★★★★★
Great event, staff were so friendly and encouraging from my first to last lap! Plenty of food, snacks and water. Good toilet facilities and even a shower! Thoroughly enjoyed this event and no-doubt will be returning!
Oct 2025 — Verified Review
Arthur Boneham
★★★★★
The organisers were lovely and it was really noticeable that they worked so hard to make this such a good event, great day out for runners and those supporting alike.
Oct 2025 — Verified Review
Steven Williams
★★★★★
Great event. My second year doing it. And improvements made this year from an already good event. And looking forward to next year. Great team, kept everyone safe and made the event enjoyable for all.
Oct 2025 — Verified Review
Geo Quiligotti
★★★★★
One of the best events I’ve taken part in. Organisers and volunteers were super friendly and supportive. The location was perfect as the base had an inside part where you could keep warm. Always water and plenty of food if you didn’t bring your own. The event had a real buzz to it and organisers and supporters kept up the atmosphere through the night when we needed it most. I love a good medal and the finishers medal for this event is probably my favourite. Simple design and very big and weighty which is what you want. 10/10
Oct 2025 — Verified Review
Wayne Cunningham
★★★★★
An excellent team who made sure a great event happened. They went above and beyond to make sure the event happened and kept up the energy to motivate the runners.
Oct 2025 — Verified Review
Daniel Bye
★★★★ ★
I'd recommend this event to anyone. The course was just challenging enough to get interesting as the race got deep - even the bottleneck early on was an enjoyable tactical element. We racked up plenty of elevation gain over many loops but the overall course profile was flat-ish - but not so flat as to be boring. The organisers were brilliant, coping with a tree felled right across the course by Storm Amy, and with continuing strong winds blowing away one of their gazebos. Yet the whole event was exemplary. I had my own crew so wasn't particularly reliant on the checkpoint food and drink, but I was rescued by a cup-a-soup and some of their crisps on at least a couple of occasions. The Backyard format is immensely enjoyable and this is a great example of it.
Oct 2025 — Verified Review
Tracey Else-Freestone
★★★★ ★
My first back yard event. Hosts and support staff were phenomenal and friebdly. Will be back if my old lady body allows. Keep up the fab work!
Oct 2025 — Verified Review
Grant Cavner
★★★★ ★
MCR BYU put on a great race. We were hit with storm Amy and a fallen tree but that didn’t stop the race going ahead. The team did everything to get us running. The atmosphere at the race was really friendly and very inclusive. Everyone was really motivating when the race got hard. I’ll definitely be back again.
Oct 2025 — Verified Review
Richard Shayle
★★★★ ★
Loved my first Backyard Ultra. Brilliantly organised, great facilities. Was worried that storm Amy would dampen the experience, it didn't!
Oct 2025 — Verified Review
Ethan Hibbert
★★★★ ★
My first backyard ultra and would definitely return. 3+ supporters of mine have said they now want to take part in the event next year after seeing how good it was! The staff/volunteers made it really special, so helpful (even when they had already been there for HOURS in the pouring rain) and really encouraging. It was such a supporting community event to make everyone feel welcome. Cannot wait to see this style of running really take off in the next few years as I really think it will! WILL be seeing you again next year, massive thank you!🤝🙌
Oct 2025 — Verified Review
Helen Lowery
★★★★ ★
Great event, even in the crazy weather! I ran 25miles more than I have ever ran before. Would definitely recommend for anyone to give it a go and get a distance pb!
Oct 2025 — Verified Review
Pete Hughes
★★★★ ★
Really well run event, especially considering that it was the inaugural event when I ran it (in 2024). I also attended this year (2025) as support crew for a couple of runners, and to help out marshaling. I hope to be back running it again next year. A timing unit (big LED clock) would be a good addition. Timing mats and trackers were a welcome addition this year. I also noticed the improved medals this year. I'd also like to see the event go cupless and have competitors bring a mug for hot drinks/soup. Really hope the event goes from strength to strength though! Loved it!
Oct 2025 — Verified Review
Rick Shepley
★★★★ ★
I found the start and finish area to be great, and it soon became a welcome site towards the end of each loop! The staff were friendly and helpful, always polite. The camaraderie out on the course was good too. Definitely a challenging event, but that's why we do it! The finish was well stocked with pot noodles, porridge, apples, bananas, flapjacks, sweets etc. Tea, coffee, water all readily available. I have absolutely no regrets about entering this event, it was everything I expected and more. Definitely a mental challenge!
Oct 2025 — Verified Review
Jamie Kettle
★★★★ ★
Overall a solid event. I’d do it again!
Oct 2025 — Verified Review
Wouter Catz
★★★★ ★
Had a good experience overall. The course was fun and volunteers were supportive!
Oct 2025 — Verified Review
Jeanette Whitham
★★★★ ★
This was a great event. Really well run and managed. Thank you
Oct 2025 — Verified Review
Adam Vincent
★★★★★
Wonderful event, lovely organisers, superb spread of grub, chuffed to bits I made 50 miles. Thank you!
Sep 2025 — Verified Review
Marisa Cimelli
★★★★★
My first back yard ultra- what an experience. Lorraine and the team were incredibly friendly and they went above and beyond with there support.. The atmosphere was really good despite the weather. The route was as expected - tough but also alot of running through woods which helped with shade from the sun and the rain. I learnt so much at this event, pacing , nutrition and using those few minutes rest wisely. I’ve actually lost interest in running a continuous ultra after this event. Back Yard Ultras are the way forward for me , can’t wait for next year 💪😊
Sep 2025 — Verified Review
Stephan Pritchard
★★★★★
It was my first ultra and I had a great time! The event staff and volunteers were incredibly helpful, the communication, snacks and drinks were great, perfect amount of toilets and the course was well signposted. Very keen to sign up to next years!!!
Sep 2025 — Verified Review
Oliver Greenwood
★★★★★
Absolutely fantastic event with seamless organisation!
Sep 2025 — Verified Review
Marcin Dubanowski
★★★★★
Great day, Great people, lots of fun and brilliant support and organisation, see you next year! 😀
Sep 2025 — Verified Review
Ana Castro
★★★★★
Lorraine and her wonderful team of volunteers put on an amazing and unforgettable event. This is a perfect event to test your limits, try new distances and put new nutrition and hydration strategies to the test. Everyone was so friendly and welcoming! Definitely recommend!
Sep 2025 — Verified Review
Paul O'Brien
★★★★ ★
First ever race like this. I loved it. The staff were amazing and supportive. The support area was full of everything needed. Think the only bit of feedback I have that isn't perfect were the bottleneck at the first hill was a bit frustrating at times. Apart from that I had a blast, loved it and will definitely be doing it again. The team were amazing and the whole event was so much fun.
Sep 2025 — Verified Review
Ian Wilson
★★★★ ★
A great event, superbly organised by a team of lovely and supportive people. A nice atmosphere in the start/rest areas, I was lucky enough to have some great company in my section. The course is a tough one, but it's not supposed to be easy is it! I'm looking forward to next year's event already.
Sep 2025 — Verified Review
Patrick Batty
★★★★★
Great event. Well organised, and went smoothly, all the team and volunteers were really friendly and gave great support. Lovely route through a nice countryside and woodland setting. Brilliant vibe and energy from the runners and around race HQ. 10/10 would recommend!
May 2025 — Verified Review
Thomas Murray
★★★★★
Loved every moment of this event. The organisers were fantastic and so friendly. First time doing a backyard ultra and they made me feel welcome straight away. So much support and everything was well stocked. Would highly recommend to anyone.
May 2025 — Verified Review
Jamie Speer
★★★★★
Great event! Well organised, good location and the support was great from all the staff, volunteers and athletes.
May 2025 — Verified Review
Toby Bain
★★★★★
I had the best time taking part in the Brighton Backyard Ultra. All the event staff were super friendly and welcoming. The course was well marked out and with a good aid station at the finish. Fresh water was available as well as some food. I would fully recommend this race to anyone looking to beat their distance PB. Everyone is very supportive and it’s a real team effort. I’ve not run a race like this before, but I will certainly sign up to this event again.
May 2025 — Verified Review
Joshua Cogger
★★★★★
Amazing course and support, everything was top-notch. Can’t wait to race again next year!
May 2025 — Verified Review
Peter Bannon
★★★★★
First Backyard ultra. This event is completely different to any running event I’ve done before. The event itself was well run and with friendly staff. The runners all helped each other, and there was a great community feel at the event. The weather helped as well I think. I came into the event thinking I could turn up with not a great training plan and go for 24 hours. How wrong was I! I came away from the event feeling determined to come back next year to do better. Thank you to the team at Brighton Backyard. 🙏
May 2025 — Verified Review
Elisabeth Dawson
★★★★★
An amazing event! For my first time at a Backyard Ultra I couldn’t have asked for a more friendly, welcoming and supportive organisation team. A stunning course and a fantastic group of like-minded people who took part. Thank you!
May 2025 — Verified Review
Allana Lessels
★★★★ ★
What an event, run by great volunteers and staff. It’s truly a race of mental resilience. Having completed it last year, this year felt different. To come back with a mission in mind, to complete 100km. Having finished at sunrise, completing 115km, it was a race I won’t forget, meeting likeminded individuals and having fun! Sign up, you won’t regret it!
May 2025 — Verified Review
Daniel Chapman
★★★★ ★
Absolutely fantastic event with seamless organisation!
May 2025 — Verified Review
Finn Smith
★★★★ ★
Amazing course and support, everything was top-notch. Can’t wait to race again next year!
May 2025 — Verified Review
Darren Evans
★★★★ ★
Loved doing this event. Well organised and a feel-good vibe. Felt supported the whole time!
May 2025 — Verified Review
Lauren Jacquemin
★★★★★
What an incredible event! I’d never run further than a half marathon before this and had won the ticket with very short notice. Absolutely loved it and the way we all meet back and go again together makes it feel more sociable. Very well planned with brilliant people volunteering, although I definitely wasn’t prepared for the climb of that hill! Rather sore legs but I feel I’ll be back!
May 2024 — Verified Review
Will Beare
★★★★★
Brighton Backyard Ultra was fantastic! The team were great, it was very well organised and the route was a challenging one! Congrats to Alex and the team, see you next year!
May 2024 — Verified Review
Helen Baxter (Volunteer)
★★★★★
As family I was invited to volunteer on the day and did not know what to expect but WOW it was an incredible experience. The event was so well organised with everything set out safely and labelled, clean and tidy. It was an honour to be cheering on the participants who all had their own personal goals and journeys. Congratulations to everyone who took part. I have so much admiration for you. 13 hours later I felt part of something special. Highly recommend volunteering at future events!
May 2024
Alex Hyne
★★★★★
Loved this event! Really well organised right from signup and definitely didn’t disappoint on the day. The course never got boring because it was so scenic and a nice mix of terrain. The organisers and staff were awesome, and it created a great vibe. Will definitely do it again!
May 2024 — Verified Review
Edward Cockill
★★★★★
What can I say. What an amazing event. For a first time event it was very well organised and supported. The whole team and all the competitors were superb from start to finish. I will be back next year!!
May 2024 — Verified Review
Emily Torode
★★★★★
Absolutely loved this event! Such great vibes all day, all the volunteers were amazing and kept me going. Course was perfect. Managed to almost double the longest run I’ve done up to now which is incredible. Can’t recommend enough!
May 2024 — Verified Review
Garret O’Neill
★★★★★
A fantastic experience for my first run beyond a marathon. Not sure I’d have run as far without the brilliant support from all volunteers! Roll on London in November…
May 2024 — Verified Review
Ian Wilson
★★★★★
An amazing day – one that will stay with me for a long time. Fantastic organisation from start to finish. Great laid back atmosphere with phenomenal levels of support and encouragement from the organisers and from the support crews. Here’s to the next one…
May 2024 — Verified Review
Eleanor Weekes
★★★★★
What an amazing event! The organisation was faultless and everyone was so friendly, supportive and helpful. The course was tough which made this a real physical and mental challenge, however don’t let this put you off. Although it’s last man standing, everyone seemed to have their own goal of how many laps they wanted to complete — it made the pack of athletes want to support each other instead of compete! I absolutely loved it.
May 2024 — Verified Review
Tom F
★★★★★
Fantastic event! Really well organised, everyone at the event was really friendly and helpful. Thanks for a fantastic day — I’ll definitely be coming back next year!!
May 2024 — Verified Review
James Willetts
★★★★★
Thoroughly enjoyed it. Even though we’re three hours away, we’ll be back next year!
May 2024 — Verified Review
Steve Lock
★★★★★
Fantastic event and I would definitely recommend, especially if this is your first ultra. Thank you to the amazing organisers and volunteers for putting on such a friendly event. I’m so pleased that I was part of it!
May 2024 — Verified Review
Adam Jones
★★★★★
Fantastic event. Thoroughly enjoyed it, was extremely well organised and had a fantastic atmosphere. It was my first BYU and I would recommend to anyone who wants to challenge themselves!
May 2024 — Verified Review
Kerry Underdown
★★★★★
The friendliest event I’ve ever been part of. This was my first BYU — I was made so welcome as soon as I arrived and put completely at ease. The whole team were absolutely amazing. Great signage, great fuel station. Can’t wait to do another one of your events!
May 2024 — Verified Review
Steve M
★★★★★
Fantastic event. So well organised, everyone so friendly and accommodating. Everything ran very smoothly and the volunteers were amazing. Thank you everyone for making it such a brilliant day (and night!).
May 2024 — Verified Review
Allana Falconer
★★★★★
What an amazing event. I’ve never run a race before and straight into a backyard ultra! The route was tough but great and well measured, and the volunteers were so friendly. Such a great group of staff, participants and volunteers!
May 2024 — Verified Review
Rhiannon (Volunteer)
★★★★★
WOW! This event, organised by Alex and his amazing team of volunteers, brought together runners from all walks of life for an unforgettable experience. The event ran seamlessly, with volunteers ensuring runners were supported every step of the way. Their dedication and enthusiasm added to the atmosphere, fostering a sense of community among participants. With stunning scenery in the heart of Brighton, participants conquered each lap with determination and grit. The Brighton Backyard Ultra is a testament to the human spirit and the power of community.
May 2024
Harrison
★★★★★
Great event, very well organised with lots of info. Will be back!
May 2024 — Verified Review
Liam Barber
★★★★★
Got to be one of the best-run running events I’ve ever attended. Amazing facilities for the runners — clean and tidy, with plenty of supplies to keep us fuelled throughout. A massive thank you to all the volunteers who were so enthusiastic and encouraging towards us runners, which was greatly appreciated by all. The km markers were absolutely spot on which was amazing to see!
May 2024 — Verified Review
Jonathan Hodder
★★★★★
Absolutely fantastic event. Events like these can be quite intimidating for those who haven’t done them before, but all of the volunteers were amazing at putting minds at ease. They were incredibly supportive and made the experience really fun. Would do it again in a heartbeat!
May 2024 — Verified Review
David Rogers
★★★★★
This was a fantastic event. The care of the organising team was evident. Some fantastic marshals lending to a great atmosphere. A challenging route!
May 2024 — Verified Review