THE CEDERBERG BACKYARD ULTRA
EVENT FORMAT:
An unconventional Backyard Ultra with a twist.
Cederberg Backyard Ultra
Start Time: 00h00 (Midnight Friday)
End Time: 00h00 (MIdnight Saturday)
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Starting at midnight on Friday, runners must complete a 7.8km loop with 400m of elevation every 90 minutes for 22.5 consecutive hours - 15 loops.
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At the 16th loop, if more than one runner remains, a final footrace decides the winner: whoever finishes first, wins.
MORE THAN JUST A RACE
The Cederberg Backyard Ultra is not about who runs the fastest - it’s about how far you’re willing to go. Every loop is an opportunity to challenge yourself, dig deeper, and be part of a collective journey of resilience and determination.
EVENT TIMELINE
Friday, December 11:
12h00 - Registration Opens
18h00 - Opening Evening + Dinner + Sustainable Ceder Talk with Dawie
20h00 - Registration Closes
21h00 - Lights Out at Race Village
23h00 - Start Line Opens
23h30 - Start Ceremony
Saturday, December 12:
00h00 - Race Start
05h30 - Day Walker Ceremony
06h00 - Loop 5
13h30 - Loop 10
21h00 - Loop 15
22h30 - Loop 16
Sunday, December 13:
00h00 - Final Cutoff
01h00 - Race Village Close
11h00 - Award Ceremony
ROUTE PROFILE
7.8 km
430m
​VENUE & FACILITIES
The race takes place at Jamaka Organic Farm, a stunning wilderness retreat in the Cederberg. Runners will have access to:
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A designated start/finish area for refueling, hydrating, and resting between loops.
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A shared camping spot at the race village (included in the ticket price).
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Camping facilities for runners and supporters.
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A community-driven atmosphere where every participant, whether first-time ultra-runner or seasoned athlete, is welcomed and supported.
Beyond the race, we are proud to support Sustainable Cedar, an organization dedicated to restoring the natural beauty of the Cederberg. During planting season, they go out and plant hundreds of cedar saplings to enrich and preserve this incredible landscape. A portion of every ticket sold will go directly to them, meaning your effort on the trail contributes to something even bigger - helping the Cederberg thrive for generations to come.
Camping is included for runners, with the race village centred around a shared start/finish area for refuelling, resetting, and preparing for the next loop.
Supporters are welcome to camp, but will need to purchase their own camping tickets separately.
What’s Included in Your Entry?
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A shared camping spot at the race village.
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Access to start/finish area between loops
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Aid station and race support
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Marked & Prepared Mountain Trail
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Sweepers and Marshalls
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Medical Support
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Finishers Medal
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Finish Line Beer / Drink
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Awards Celebration on Sunday
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Donation to Sustainable Ceder
