50k Ultramarathon
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ULTRA LONG
"I just want to run!" - we hear ya. Not one for the Backyard Ultra format ... we've still got you sorted! Excitement will be ramped up to 10 for the 8am Saturday morning event start and there's a 50K Ultramarathon option just for those who want to run and not stop!
This event kicks off with a shortened 3.1km lead in lap to the north of the course before setting out on 7 laps of the stunning Daytime course. It's tough. You bet it is! But that just makes finishing all the sweeter and you'll be rewrded with a unique 50K halo for your stunning Mighty Totara medal.
Our multi-lap ultramarathon offers the chance for loved ones, crew (and even the self-crewed) to enjoy the energy boost and refuelling oppertunities of running through the start/finish area at the end of each lap. Tired of having to carry so much water and nutrition on that mega-effort? This ultra's for you!
This is also the ideal preparation for those looking to move on to the Tarawera Ultra at the other side of the Christmas/New Year break.
Is it time to scratch that Ultra-itch?
The Course
The 50K Ultra take place exclusively on the Mighty Totara Day Time Course. Click on the image to view in a pop window or head on over to the dedicated Day Time course page for downloads, detailed info and links to external mapping services.
Important! Both the Day Time and the Night Time course is measured to the standards set down by the New Zealand 100 Marathons Club.
7 Laps
Day Time Course
3.1 km
Lead-In
Race Info at a Glance
The Basics |
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|---|---|
| Race | 50K ULTRAMARATHON |
| Event Date | Saturday November 30th |
| Start Time | 08:01am |
| Time Limit | 12 Hours |
| Distance | 50KM | 7x Laps of DayTime Course + 3.1km Lead-In |
| Tickets & Fees | See here page |
Event Base |
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|---|---|
| Location | Totara Park [click for google pin to start line] |
| Access & Parking | See the dedicated Getting There & Parking page. |
| Toilets | Portaloos will be located opposite the Start/Finish line in the communal rest area. |
| Overnight Stay | Is not available to participants in this event. |
On Course |
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|---|---|
| Course Map | See Day Time Course & 3.1km Lead-In |
| Directions | Look out for our directional arrows at all turns and intersections. There are no marshals on course and we reccommend carrying a mobile phone at all times in case you get lost or encounter another issue. |
| Overtaking | Please be courteous and move to the side on narrow trail sections when faster runners approach from behind. With Backyard Ultra athletes and relay team members on course you are likely to be passed and pass other more often than you may expect. |
| Pedestrians & Dogs | Please be respectful of other users of the park, they are entitled to be there just as much as you are. Look out for dog walkers and their four-legged sidekicks, particularly where the course skirts the Botanic Gardens, which is a designed dog walking area. |
| Toilets | Portaloos at the event base can be accessed at the start and finish of each lap. A well appointed set of modern public toilet block with three enclosed units is available in the picnic area near the park entrance (approx. 2km into the lap). |
| Aid Stations | An unmanned refill station - for water only - is situated at the 4km mark (half way around the lap). We will make best efforts to keep this station fully stocked throughout the event but you should not plan your race nutrition around this. Another refill station is available at the end of each lap where you can refill your bottles with water or PURE sport drink. There are no cups provided at this event ... you must bring your own water containers. |
| Race Rules | Due to the narrow tracks, we do not allow nordic poles in this event. See our general Competition Rules here. |
Awards & Results |
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|---|---|
| Results | 2024 results will be here and updated live throughout the event. Scan the QR code on your race number to be taken directly to your personal result page. |
| Scoring | Awards and Online Results lists will be based on GUN TIME. |
| Merit Awards | Trophy to first place overall Male & Female. |
| Participation Awards | All finishers receive the 2024 Mighty Totara medal plus a 50K Ultra Halo. More details here. |