Saturday 1st May 2027 · 10:00am
Blaise Castle Estate, Bristol
An inclusive, community-driven Backyard Ultra set on the beautiful grounds of Blaise Castle Estate.
After a sold-out inaugural event in 2026, demand for the 2027 start line has been high. With 130 of 150 places secured in the first two months of ticket sales, we recommend booking now before entries move to a waiting list.
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Our founding year brought together runners, crews, volunteers, families and local partners for a celebration of grit and community. A huge congratulations to every runner who braved the rain, showed up, and did themselves proud. Welcome to the Gravel & Grit family.
Every hour, on the hour, runners complete one 4.167 mile loop. Finish in time and you earn the right to go again. Miss the bell, finish late, or choose not to continue, and your race is over.
There is no fixed distance, no traditional finish line and no set race duration. The last runner standing is the only finisher.
The loop winds through woodland trails, open fields, and rocky sections, particularly the technical descent down Dynamite Hill. Expect around 160m of elevation gain each lap, with terrain that rewards patience more than speed.
This is not a fast, flat Backyard Ultra. The Bristol Backyard Ultra is a brutally honest course, designed to showcase the beautiful Blaise Castle Estate. This is a characterful, hilly, and at times technical route. A proper Bristol challenge, built around grit and community celebration.
Without this community, we would just be some tents in a field. You are the reason we do this.
“Just a massive thank you to the organisers and volunteers, it's the best running event experience I've ever had!”
Gary D.“Just that feeling of one more being encouraged by everyone participating and spectating. The Crewless Crew was such a nice touch as well.”
Deane A.“A great event which is far more inclusive than people might think. It's a great way to have lots of people together as you see each other every hour!”
Ash T.Yes, because you choose how far you go. But the Blaise Castle course is hilly, technical and deserves respect.
No. Plenty of runners take part solo, and we will again provide a Crewless Crew area at basecamp.
Absolutely. Supporters are part of the atmosphere, and Blaise Castle Estate has space and facilities nearby.
Trail shoes, warm layers, waterproofs, spare socks, headtorch, nutrition, hydration and basecamp comfort kit.
We work with local, outdoor, running, wellness, food and drink, retail, media and community-aligned brands who can add something genuinely useful to race weekend.
Enter now, read the race information, or get in touch if you have a question that is not covered elsewhere.