No live timing – we use a simple, old-school tally board that you and your support crew can follow together

Live video and photo updates at the start of each yard will be shared on:

Coffs Backyard Ultra Facebook Group

Coffs Trail Runners Instagram Page

Event photograpy by Henry Higgins Photography will be uploaded to Coffs Trail Runners Flickr for free after the event.

Results

Your results will be published on backyardyultra.com.au, with a link provided to this website.

As an affiliated event, results will also be shared with Big’s Backyard Ultra.

If you complete an ultramarathon distance (7 yards or more), your result will be listed on DUV Ultra Marathon Statistics.

As an AUTRA listed event, results will also be shared with the Australian Ultra & Trail Running Association.

2026 Mud Map

2025 Video Tour of Coffs Harbour Showground & Inside the Exhibition Pavilion

Facilities at the Exhibition Pavilion (Event Hub) at Coffs Harbour Showground

• A very large undercover space for gear and marquees. Gas stoves may only be used inside the Exhibition Pavilion kitchen.
• Large kitchen with microwave, fridge and hot water urn
• Multiple rubbish bins
• Charging stations for phones, watches and headtorches
• Phone reception (throughout the course and at event hub)
• Dedicated quiet/sleeping room

Toilet & Shower Locations at Coffs Harbour Showground 

Inside the Exhibition Pavilion (Event Hub) 

• 10 female toilets, 4 male toilets, 3 urinals
• 1 cold shower only, exclusively for use during your yard only (new for 2026). A roster will be placed on the shower door to add your name too.
• Located next to the corral

Outside Toilet Block

• 4 female toilets, 2 male toilets, 1 urinal
• Located next to the corral and you will pass them each yard

Shower Block / Next to Work Shed

• 3 female toilets, 2 male toilets, 2 urinals
• Multiple male and female hot showers (shower code 2408) for both you and your support crew to use at any time
• Located 100m from the corral and you will pass them each yard

Please use the designated toilet facilities we provide on course.

Coffs Backyard Ultra takes place in shared public spaces used by families and the wider community so to ensure a respectful environment for everyone, urinating on course is strongly discouraged.

Thank you for helping us maintain a positive and respectful experience for everyone.

Infrastructure note: From yard 25 onwards, only essential infrastructure will remain (e.g. race arch, hall, toilets) to reduce volunteer load.

Nearby Services

• Reflections Holiday Park | Accommodation next to Coffs Harbour Showground, including cabins, camping and powered sites.
• Adjacent services | Coffs Harbour Ambulance Station and Coffs Harbour Police Station
• Coffs Central Shopping Centre | 1km away
• The Bailey Centre | Opposite Coffs Harbour Showground and across the Pacific Highway includes:
  • 24/7 fuel and general store supplies
  • Good Price Pharmacy Warehouse
  • Nutrition Warehouse
  • Rebel Sport
  • Pizza Hut
  • Harbour Palace Chinese Restaurant
  • Mo Tackle & Outdoors
  • Ridgey Didge Pies
  • Popeyes Fish & Chips

Camping

Free camping is available from 3:00pm on Friday 11th June 2027 for the duration of the event, including Friday, Saturday and Sunday night.

No registration required for camping. 

You may also sleep in your marquee setup, whether it is located inside or outside the Exhibition Pavilion

Caravans, camper trailers or motorhomes are welcome, provided the main Showground Arena is dry enough to accommodate. A decision on this will be made 1 week out from the event.

Any questions please email admin@coffstrailrunners.com

Marquee Setups

Marquees may be set up inside or outside the Exhibition Pavilion.

• Please check with a marshal before setting up your gazebo.
• If you are setting up outside, all marquee legs must be securely weighted down or pegged down.
• Do not use ropes or strings to secure marquee as they create a trip hazard.

Your support crew can only assist you after you complete each yard.

Once a yard starts, no assistance is allowed, including food, hydration, gear changes, pacing or moving support (running alongside, carrying gear, cycling).

During a yard, support crew and spectators are welcome to cheer within the 800m Coffs Harbour Showground loop only. The Coffs Creek Walkway is restricted for runners only.

Failure to comply with any of the official Backyard Ultra rules or event-specific rules will result in disqualification (Refer to Other FAQs & Policies).

Main Aid Station (next to corral):

• Water, Coca-Cola and Ginger Beer (non-alcoholic)
• Trail Brew (neutral flavour)
• Lollies, salted chips and watermelon
• Noodles and soup (from 4:00pm Saturday)
• Zooper Doopers
• Cheese toasties
• Ice (if forecasted over 23°C)

2 x On-Course Water Points (Lawson Cresent & Hogbin Drive Underpass)

Located at 2.2km & 5.7km (Lawson Cresent) and 3.8km & 4.2km (Hogbin Drive Underpass) for runners to use each yard:

• Umanned water point (cupless)
• One male and one female portable toilet
• Rubbish bin

The Corral

The corral is located under the large awning of the Exhibition Pavilion and adjacent bitumen driveway.

The corral features:

• A large finish arch with a light tunnel and bunting
• 2 x LED race clocks (one by the finish arch, one by the media wall) 
• Music

Start Process

Each yard begins with a whistle countdown:

• 3 whistles = 3 minutes to go
• 2 whistles = 2 minutes to go
• 1 whistle = 1 minute to go
• A 10 second countdown in the corral

All runners must be in the corral and begin moving forward at the start of each yard.

Note: Due to the high volume of runners in the corral during the early laps, those positioned near the back may take up to 1 minute to cross the start line and should factor this into their timing.

Bib Collection

You will receive a reusable, washable numbered bib at bib collection. If you already have a bib number from a previous CTR event, please bring it. We will have safety pins at bib collection.

Bibs must be worn on your front during every yard.

Note: You may return your bib after the event or keep it for a future Coffs Trail Runners event. Timing is done manually using tally boards and the bibs do not have timing chips.

At bib collection, you’ll receive:

• Your bib number (unless you already have one from a previous CTR event)
• A sticker with your bib number 
• A sticker with your name on it

Place both your bib number sticker and name sticker on a vacant spot on the tally board.

Yard Tracking

After each yard, you or your support crew, must:

• Go directly to the tally board next to the corral.
• Find where you placed your bib number sticker and name sticker
• Place the unique yard sticker (clipped to the tally board) for each completed yard
• Add the final DNF (Did Not Finish) sticker if applicable

Over time, your stickers will spell a word as a fun progress tracker.

This is the official tracking for the event and part of the Coffs Backyard Ultra experience. Volunteers will ensure the tally board process runs smoothly.

If you have a support crew, they may assist you with the tally board tracking process and as the field narrows, volunteers may also assist if needed.

Food & Vendors

Saturday morning | Coffee van + Hangry Wolf 

Saturday lunch | Hangry Wolf

Saturday 12:00pm | Ergofix Physiotherapy (free massages & injury support) & Refined Wellness (Normatec Compression Therapy

Saturday dinner | Hangry Wolf

Merchandise

If you pre-ordered merchandise online, you can collect it during bib collection.

Merchandise will also be available for sale at the event, including:

• Coffs Backyard Ultra Shirts = $50
• Coffs Backyard Ultra Singlets = $50
• Coffs Trail Runners Shirts = $50
• Coffs Trail Runners Singlets = $5
• Coffs Trail Runners 500ml Soft Flasks = $15
• Coffs Trail Runners 250ml Soft Flasks = $10
• Coffs Trail Runners 200ml Soft Cups = $15
• Coffs Trail Runners Cowbells = $15
• Coffs Trail Runners Towels = $40
• T8 Shorts, Ice Bandanas and Commandos

EFTPOS and cash payments accepted.

Cash Prize 

$1,000 cash prize to both the last male and the last female left standing, proudly sponsored by The Battery Boys.

Optional DNF Prize

Engraved wooden spoon for all runners who Did Not Finish (DNF).

Milestone Prize 

Complete 15 yards (100.59km) or more and you will receive a special engraved Coffs Backyard Ultra event glass.

Coffs Trail Runners Race Bib

• Bring your own or collect one at the event
• Bib must be displayed on your front during every yard

Mobile Phone

• Mandatory during night yards between 5:00pm-6:00am
• Recommended during day yards
• Phone must be switched on with the “CTR Emergency Phone” number saved 0457 325 623 (This number calls our medical staff at the Exhibition Pavilion)
  

Headtorch, waistorch or handheld torch

• Mandatory during night yards between 5:00pm-6:00am
  
• Your phone cannot be used as your torch (the course is very dark at night with no sections under light)

Cup or flask

• This is a cupless event
• Bring your own cup or flask for water, electrolytes, soup, or noodles.
  

Random mandatory gear checks may occur at any time.

Failure to carry mandatory gear = disqualification.

• Backup headtorch and spare batteries
• Charging cables | Charging stations available inside the Exhibition Pavilion
• Personal nutrition | Water available inside the Exhibition Pavilion
• Waterproof and breathable rain jacket
• Headwear | Hat or buff or beanie | Temperatures are likely <10°C overnight
• Spare clothes | Socks, shirts, shorts, shoes etc (for running and non-running)
• Towel | Free on-site hot showers
• Personal first aid kit | Space blanekt, blister care, sunscreen, lip balm etc.

Note: Due to the high volume of runners in the corral during early yards, if you are positioned near the back may take up to 1 minute to cross the start line. This time is part of within the 1 hour time limit and worth factoring into your pacing.

You will start from the corral, heading straight on 100 metres of bitumen to the junction of Coffs Creek Walkway.

Turn right (Loop 1) onto the main gravel pathway through Coffs Harbour Showground.

Turn right again onto the internal bitumen road, now heading towards the main arena.

Another right turn onto the main arena bitumen road, looping anti-clockwise pass the Norm Jordan Pavilion and back toward the corral. 

You will then pass through the corral and start arch again, before returning to the Coffs Creek Walkway junction.

Turn right (Loop 2) to complete this loop again.

When you return to this junction, turn left for the out and back on Coffs Creek Walkway

In summary, at the junction with Coffs Creek Walkway:

Loop 1 = Turn Right (1st pass at 100m)

Loop 2 = Turn Right (2nd pass at 720m)

Out & Back = Turn Left (3rd pass at 1.3km)

This will be well signposted and marshalled.

After the 1.3km wider Showground loop, you will turn left and follow Coffs Creek Walkway out to turnaround point.

Please keep left at all times while on Coffs Creek Walkway.

During early yards, signage will also remind you to keep to a single file where there are contraflow sections.

At Lawson Crescent & Hogbin Drive underpass you will pass a water point (no cups provided), a rubbish bin and one male and one female portable toilet.

You will then retrace your steps to the Showground and head directly back to the corral.

This same course is used for every yard of the event.

75% shaded gravel path | 5.05km

10% wide boardwalks | 706 metres

15% bitumen | 950 metres

Yard Surface Summary: Mostly bitumen within the Showground, followed by a consistent mix of smooth, shaded gravel with sections of boardwalk. Very runnable underfoot with spray-painted tree roots.

Footwear: Road or trail shoes are both suitable. While the course generally drains well, sections of mud may accumulate after rain, which may favour trail shoes.

Total ascent per yard | 20 metres

Total descent per yard | 20 metres

Elevation Summary: Minimal elevation change overall, designed for consistent pacing across yards. Two gentle inclines at 2.4km and 4.5km may become more noticeable in later yards.

Course is fully marked using reusable reflective strips and clear corflute arrows on wooden stakes. No navigation is required..

The turnaround point on Coffs Creek Walkway will be marked with a turnaround sign and reflective strips.

‘Single File’ signs will be placed during early laps to remind you to stay in single file during contraflow sections.

You may see “Fun Run In Progress” signs at track junctions to notify the public that an event is in progress.

How it works

A Backyard Ultra is a last one standing format that is as much about community and resilience as it is about distance.

• You run a 6.706km “yard” within 1 hour (maximum pace = 8:56min/km)
• The next yard starts every hour, on the hour
• Any remaining time within the hour is your rest period
• This continues until only one runner remains

If you do not complete a yard within the hour, do not start the next yard on time or break one of the Backyard Ultra rules (refer below), you recorded as a DNF (Did Not Finish).

To win, the final runner must complete one additional yard on their own.

Backyard Ultra & Event-Specific Rules

All official Backyard Ultra rules apply.

In addition, please be aware of the following event-specific rules

• Corral
  • You must be inside the corral and begin moving forward at the start of each yard, crossing the start line as soon as practical.
• No Handoffs, No Resupply, No Item Retrieval
  • You must not receive, collect or hand off items (from your support crew or left on the ground) as you leave or pass through the corral
  • Items must not be thrown to you or placed on the ground for collection
  • You may not drop items to collect later in the yard.
  • In short, any item you start with must be carried for the entire yard.
  • The only exception is rubbish, which may be disposed of at the communal designated bin at Hogbin Drive underpass.
• Mandatory Gear
  • You must carry a mobile phone and headtorch during night yards between 5:00pm-6:00am. 
  • You must wear your Coffs Trail Runners bib on your front during every yard.
  • Random mandatory gear checks may occur at any time.
• Leaving the Course
  • If you leave the course (e.g. to use the designated toilets), you must re-enter at the exact point you exited.
• Children & Prams
  • Children under 11 years must be accompanied by an adult at all times 
  • No prams are permitted due to narrow sections and volume of runners

Failure to comply with any of the official Backyard Ultra rules or event-specific rules will result in disqualification

Runner Conduct

The following are required behavioural standards to help keep the event safe, respectful, and enjoyable for everyone using the Coffs Creek Walkway. Non-compliance is unlikely to result in disqualification, but may be addressed by race officials if required:

• The use of NSAIDs is strongly discouraged due to known risks associated with ultra-distance events.
• During early yards, runners are expected to move a single file where there is contraflow to minimise congestion with oncoming runners. Short periods of congestion (~30-60 seconds) may occur in this section during early yards.
• Runners are expected to pass safely and communicate clearly when overtaking, particularly during congestion in early yards.
• External speaker systems or music played out loud are not permitted. Headphones may be used but must allow awareness of your surroundings (e.g. open-ear or bone conduction-styles).
• Runners are expected to use the designated toilets provided and are not to urinate on course.
• Runners are expected to remain appropriately dressed at all times and are not to run shirtless.
• Runners are expected to give way to members of the public on shared sections of the Coffs Creek Walkway and maintain respectful behaviour at all times.

Minimum Age & Qualification

No minimum age to enter the event. 

Children under 11 years must be accompanied by an adult at all times. 

No prior qualification is required to enter the event.

Headphones

Coffs Backyard Ultra is a shared course experience. While some runners enjoy listening to music, we discourage the use of playing music out loud during yards to help preserve the natural environment and atmosphere of the event.

Headphones may be used provided you can still hear your surroundings (e.g. Shokz-style open-ear devices).

Prams

No prams are allowed to the narrow and high volume of runners on the Coffs Creek Walkway.

First Aid

A professional first aid provider (Event First Aid) will be on-site for the entire event with a defibrrillator (AED). Assistance is allowed once you have completed a yard but any assistance during a yard from the professional first aid provider is deemed as support and will result in a DNF.

The sweep bike rider each yard will also have a first aid kit.

Emergency access is available along multiple parts of the course.

Withdrawing on Course

If you are injured on course or unable to complete a yard within the 1 hour cut off, try to return to the corral if possible.

If you cannot, try to make your way to the nearest road and call the CTR Emergency Phone on 0457 325 623 or inform the next runner and ask them to notify the Race Director.

Car access is available from a number of locations on the course.

Safety

For safety, a sweeper on a bike with a phone will follow the last runner each yard, staying 20-50m behind (within line of sight) and will not assist unless a runner DNFs.

Local police are aware of the event and may visit the course or precinct.

With 500+ runners during daylight and many running into the night, incidents are unlikely and you will rarely be alone, but we recommend that running with others at night for added safety. You might see some possums and frogs at night!

In the event of a evacuation, head towards the nearest bitumen road being either Mellitas Avenue, Brodie Drive or Hogbin Drive. Assistance will be available at those locations.

Insurance

Coffs Trail Runners Inc holds Public Liability Insurance for this event.

This insurance does not cover injury or illness to participants.

All entrants are strongly encouraged to have personal medical insurance that covers injuries or illness sustained during the event.

Bring your old, clean running shoes to bib collection.

We’ve partnered with Sportspower Coffs Harbour and Tread Lightly to recycle them responsibly.

Refunds & Deferrals

As this is a donation-based event, there are no refunds on donations or deferrals.

Refunds on merchandise, excluding booking fees, are available until 5:00pm Monday 11th May 2026.

After this deadline, refunds on merchandise will only be granted if:

• You, your partner, or their surrogate are pregnant
• You are recovering postpartum
• You have a serious injury or medical condition (must provide a valid medical certificate)
• Other exceptional circumstances, at the discretion of the Committee

Note: Running-related injuries are not eligible after this deadline. Merchandise will not be posted if you withdraw from the event. Uncollected merchandise after the event will not be posted or refunde

To request a refund on merchandise, email admin@coffstrailrunners.com.

Withdrawing 

As this event sold out and has a waitlist, please let us know as soon as possible if you can no longer attend by emailing admin@coffstrailrunners.com

As this is a donation-based event, no person-to-person transfers are allowed (e.g. selling or giving away entries).

There is no waitlist for the event.

If you can no longer attend, please let us know as early as possible admin@coffstrailrunners.com

If the event is cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances, you may request either:

• A deferral to the next time the event is held, or
• A refund on your store purchases.

To make a request, please email admin@coffstrailrunners.com.

Note: If the event is cancelled, it will not be rescheduled in the same year and will be postponed to the next year. Refunds and deferrals are not guaranteed and will be considered at the discretion of the Coffs Trail Runners Committee.

Coffs Backyard Ultra takes place on the Coffs Creek Track adjacent to the Coffs Creek within the Solitary Islands Marine Park.

Coffs Creek is a diverse estuarine system of coastal swamp forests, rocky shores, mangroves, mudflats and salt marshes leading to incredible beaches and island vistas.

It is a dynamic brackish environment inhabited by a variety of fauna including fish, crustaceans, shorebirds and waders.

The Buluunggal walk section of Coffs Creek walk has a number of colourful interpretive signs describing how the Gumbaynggir people use the creek. Buluunggal is the Gumbaynggirr name for the creek, meaning mullet.

We ask that runners during the event or training:

• Do not disturb wildlife
• Stay on existing tracks to avoid soil erosion
• Do not litter or an automatic disqualification will occur
• Be eco-responsible where possible

• Equal Prize Money and Awards | Yes, $1,000 to both male and female last one standing
• Toilets at start line and finish line | Yes and multiple toilet blocks too!
• Gender specific race qualifiers | N/A for Coffs Backyard Ultra
• Pregnancy Policy | A full refund or deferral available at any time if you, your partner, or their surrogate are pregnant, or due to postpartum recovery
• Access to detailed and well marked maps | Yes
• Well marked course | Yes, including reflective strips at night
• Equal use of female and male imagery in advertising and promotional material | Yes
• Provision of menstrual product packs at aid stations | Yes, at the Event Hub and in the gendered toilet on-course
• Equity in time based awards | N/A for Coffs Backyard Ultra
• Gendered change areas at finish line | Yes, multiple, large toilet blocks
• Equitable race cut off times | N/A for Coffs Backyard Ultra
• Gendered race results online | Yes
• Privacy options for race results and photography | Yes
• Female specific event apparel | Yes
• Childcare options | Investigating!
• Female volunteers and medics at aid stations, especially at night | Yes
• Gendered toilets on course | Yes, new for 2026 Coffs Backyard Ultra!
• Family friendly facilities | Are there nappy changing facilities available? | TBC
• Are there areas for breastfeeding and/or to warm up baby food? | Yes
• Pushchair/Pram Friendly | N/A, due to the volume of runners and surface type
• Check point crew access for breastfeeding women | On-course support not allowed in a Backyard Ultra but yes between yards
• Course Familiarisation Runs/training camps | Yes, including at night