🌕🏃‍♂️ Bargara by Night – 18hr Backyard Ultra 2026

Get ready to run through the daylight and then under the glow of a full moon!
The Bargara by Night Backyard Ultra challenges runners with 6.7km loops, starting on the hour, every hour, for up to 18 hours.

Yes…the 12hr Backyard Ultra is changing in 2026.  You’ll be able to choose 6, 12, or 18 hours 😄.

All distances start at noon on 29/08/2026. The first 6 hours is on gravel trials in Barolin Reserve. Minimum age is 14 years (for the first 6 hours only).

🕛 Event Start

📅 Saturday 29 August
🕒 Starts at 12pm (noon)
📍 Neilsons Beach Park

You’ll kick off with 6 daylight loops on beautiful bush trails…
Before tackling the real test: running through the night 🌙✨

🌞 Daytime Running (Noon to 6pm)

Noon start for all runners (6hr, 12hr & 18hr). See course map below

This will be on a majority gravel trail (some concrete and asphalt leading to the trail) within Barolin Reserve
All runners must be 14yo+.

If more than one male and female (registered for 6hrs) completed the 6hrs, the winner (1st, 2nd, 3rd) is decided by fastest overall time ⏱️

If you survive the daytime loops (and are registered for the 12 or 18hr events), you’ll take on the full-moon night challenge along the 6.7km path 🌕🏞️

🌙 Night Running (6pm to 6am)

Headlamps required! 🔦
All night runners must be 18+.

See course map below

If you survived the daytime loops (and are registered for the 12 or 18hr events), you’ll take on the full-moon night challenge along the 6.7km path 🌕🏞️

The 12hr runners will finish at Midnight. If more than one male and female (registered for 12hrs) completed the 12hrs, the winner (1st, 2nd, 3rd) is decided by fastest overall time ⏱️

💀 The Midnight Grind

After 80km, the 18-hour athletes push into the final 6 hours — another 40.2km — to the finish.
If more than one male and female remains, the winner is decided by fastest overall time ⏱️

📘 Notes & Info

📄 Daytime running notes — coming soon
🌙 Night-time notes – Click here
📜 Rules & Regs — Click here

🧢 Registration, Pack Pickup & Gazebos

🎒 Pack Pickup:
📍 Registration Tent — Neilsons Park
🕙 Saturday 29 August, 10:30am–11:30am

🏕️ Gazebo Spaces:
Assigned at registration — no squatting on spots 😉
Bring weights only; nothing can be pegged into the ground due to underground irrigation. Damage = your cost 💸
Gazebos must be removed by 7am Sunday 30 August.

📝 Registration Open:
Online registration closes 9pm Thursday 27 August.
After this, on-the-day entries are available at the original price + $30.

🎂 Age Limits:
• 6-hour race: 14+
• 12 & 18-hour races: 18+

🏷️ Event Cap & Name Badge:
Hang these on the line after collecting them — this shows you’re still competing (the Number Marshal also tracks official laps).

⏱️ Timing by the Timing Wizards ✨

🚀 We’ll See You at the Start Line

Saturday 29 August
Daytime & Night course maps see below

🎽 Choose Your Challenge

⏱️ 6 Hours – $60
🌕 12 Hours – $120
🌌 18 Hours – $180

🏅 Finish at least 1 lap to earn your medal!   Noon – 6pm Map           6pm – 6am Map

Click here to volunteer