Coffs Backyard Ultra 2026

Coffs Harbour, NSW. Coffs Harbour Showground. Coffs Backyard Ultra returns on Saturday, June 6, 2026, starting at 8:00 AM GMT+10. Run a 6.706 km "yard" every hour, on the hour — repeat until only one runner remains. $1,000 cash prize for both last male and last female standing (sponsored by The Battery Boys). Scenic Coffs Creek Walkway course: 82% shaded gravel paths, 10% boardwalk, 8% bitumen. Donation‑based event — pay what you can. Free camping from Friday afternoon. Friday: "Meet the Course" social run at 3:00 PM and runner panel at 4:00 PM. 747 participants registered. SOLD OUT.

Location — Coffs Harbour Showground, Coffs Harbour, NSW:

• Coffs Harbour is a coastal city on the Mid North Coast of New South Wales, about 5.5 hours north of Sydney, 4 hours south of Brisbane
• Coffs Harbour Showground is located on the Pacific Highway, near the city centre
• The course uses the Coffs Creek Walkway — a scenic shared path that follows Coffs Creek through mangrove forests, parklands, and under the Pacific Highway bridge
• Terrain: 82% shaded gravel paths, 10% boardwalk, 8% bitumen — mostly flat, runnable, and shaded

Backyard Ultra Format — Last Person Standing:

• Every runner starts together at 8:00 AM
• Each yard (loop) is 6.706 km (approximately 4.17 miles)
• Runners must complete the yard within one hour
• At the top of each hour, the next yard begins — runners must be ready at the start line
• If you are not back in time, you are eliminated
• The race continues until only one runner remains
• $1,000 cash prize for the last male and last female standing (sponsored by The Battery Boys)

Donation‑Based Event — Pay What You Can:

• Entry is donation‑based (encouraged) — donate when registering or at the event
• This keeps the event accessible to all
• Proceeds support Coffs Trail Runners and the local running community

Friday, June 5 — Pre‑Race Events (Free Camping, Social Run, Panel):

• 2:00 PM — Optional bib collection, gear/marquee setup, and free camping opens at the Showground
• 3:00 PM — "Meet the Course" Social Run — walk/jog the course with fellow runners
• 4:00 PM — Runner Panel at Coffs Harbour Showground (guest speakers, Q&A, tips for the race)

Saturday, June 6 — Race Day:

• 6:30 AM — Bib collection and Exhibition Pavilion opens for gear/marquee setup
• 7:50 AM — Race briefing in the corral (mandatory)
• 8:00 AM — First yard begins

What's Included (Donation‑Based Entry):

• Chip timing (lap counting — each yard must be completed within the hour)
• Finisher recognition (last man/woman standing get $1,000 cash; all participants get the experience and a sense of accomplishment)
• Medal? Not specified — likely a finisher medal for all who complete at least one yard? Check event website
• Shirt? Not specified — likely not included (donation‑based event keeps costs low)
• Aid station at start/finish area (water, electrolyte, snacks, Hammer Nutrition products)
• Medical support on site
• Free camping (Friday and Saturday nights?)
• Parking at Coffs Harbour Showground

Sponsors:

• Cash Prize Sponsor: The Battery Boys ($1,000 per gender)
• Signage Sponsor: X‑Press Wraps & Signs
• Insurance Broker Sponsor: Good Cover Insurance Solutions
• Nutrition Sponsor: Hammer Nutrition
• Physio Sponsor: Ergofix Physiotherapy
• SheRunnerAus Endorsed

Logistics — Sold Out, No Race Day Registration:

• Sold out — 747 participants registered
• No race day registration
• Camping available on site (free) — set up your tent, marquee, or campervan
• Parking at Coffs Harbour Showground (arrive early — limited spaces)
• Bib pickup: Friday (2:00‑4:00 PM) or Saturday morning (6:30‑7:30 AM)
• No refunds? Check FAQ page for details on refunds, deferrals, transfers, and withdrawals
• No dogs allowed on the course
• Strollers not permitted (backyard ultra format requires runners to move at their own pace, but strollers would be unsafe in a competitive field)

What to Bring:

• Your own hydration and nutrition (aid station is basic — Hammer Nutrition products, water, electrolytes)
• Headlamp (if the race goes into the night — which it likely will)
• Chair, tent, marquee, and camping gear (set up your own aid station near the start/finish)
• Warm layers (coastal NSW nights can be cool in June)
• Change of clothes and towel
• Portable charger for phone

Nearby Attractions (post‑race — make a weekend of it in Coffs Harbour):

• Coffs Creek Walkway — you'll know it well after the race
• Big Banana — iconic landmark, amusement park, and souvenir shop
• Jetty Beach and Jetty Foreshores — swimming, walking, and the Coffs Harbour Jetty
• Muttonbird Island Nature Reserve — walking track with panoramic ocean views
• Dorrigo National Park (1 hour west) — rainforest walks, waterfalls, and the Skywalk
• Solitary Islands Marine Park — snorkeling, scuba diving, and boat tours

Contact: Coffs Trail Runners — [email protected].