Event Overview
Backyard Everest is a timed loop running event held at Black Hill Conservation Park in Athelstone, South Australia. The 2026 edition starts at 10:00am (ACST) on Saturday 12 September, with entry options across 3, 6, 12, or 24 hours. Athletes complete a 5.3km loop that starts on the hour, every hour, with each completed loop counting toward distance and vertical gain over their chosen duration.
What the Course Demands
The format rewards consistent pacing and efficient turnaround between hourly starts, with a firm time cap each lap. The loop is defined by substantial climbing (369m of vertical gain per 5.3km), so managing repeated ascents and descents becomes the main limiter as hours accumulate. Because missed cut-offs only void that lap rather than ending participation, athletes still need to make clear decisions about when to push, pause, and resume within their entry window.
Who This Event Suits Best
This event suits runners who handle steep, repeatable efforts and prefer structured time-based racing over a single continuous start-to-finish run. It works well for athletes aiming to benchmark durability across 3–12 hours, as well as experienced ultra runners targeting the full 24-hour challenge. Those comfortable operating around a central base area, with frequent stops and rest opportunities, tend to get the most from the format.
