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RUNNERS GUIDE INTRODUCTION

Welcome to the Cederberg Backyard Ultra - a race that’s as much about the people as it is about the place.

This guide has everything you’ll need to know before stepping into the arena of endless loops - from gear checks to course flow, registration details to on-site logistics.

 

Here, preparation is part of the experience. The Cederberg doesn’t hand out easy miles - it asks you to show up ready, curious, and aware of your surroundings. Whether you’re running for one loop or 16, your journey through this wild and ancient landscape begins with respect: for the mountains, for the community that holds this space, and for yourself.
 

So read through carefully, pack with intention, and arrive ready to embrace the rhythm of the Backyard. Every loop is a story - this guide will help you start yours.

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RULES

 

The Cederberg Backyard Ultra honours the essence of self-sufficient mountain running - where preparation, patience, and resilience meet the wild. While camaraderie and support are part of the experience, fairness and equality are fundamental to the race. To maintain an equal playing field, the following applies: 1. No mobile support is allowed along the course. Pacing, muling, or any form of moving assistance is strictly prohibited. 2. No external aid may be accepted outside of the official Aid Station or the designated start/finish area. 3. Mandatory gear must be carried at all times. Random gear checks will be conducted; failure to comply may result in time penalties or disqualification. 4. Switching of packs is not allowed. You must start and finish with the same running pack and carry it for the duration of your race. 5. No mechanical or motorised assistance of any kind. Forward motion must be achieved solely by your own effort. 6. Poles are permitted but must be carried from start to finish - no discarding, stashing, or transferring to crew. 7. Respect fellow runners. The Cederberg is rugged terrain - awareness and courtesy are essential.

SUPPORT:

 

This race takes place in one of South Africa’s most ecologically significant and fragile landscapes. Runners are custodians of this wilderness, and your conduct determines its preservation. 1. Leave no trace. Absolutely no littering or waste disposal outside designated bins. 2. Stay on the marked route. No shortcuts, off-trail movement, or deviations - this protects both the terrain and the race’s integrity. 3. Respect wildlife. Do not approach, scare, or harm any animals. If encountered, give space and move calmly. 4. Respect other trail users and landowners. This includes local residents, hikers, and conservation teams. 5. Any deliberate environmental misconduct will result in disqualification and potential exclusion from future events.

ENVIRONMENT:

 

1. Aid stations will provide essential hydration and nutrition. 2. Runners must carry their own hydration vessel - no disposable cups will be supplied. 3. Plan to refill at aid stations; no bottles or containers may be removed from these areas. 4. Runners may take as much nutrition as needed but must not waste or hoard supplies. 5. Runners must cater for their own expected camping stay needs outside of the event hours.

FOOD & DRINK:

 

CUT-OFFS + FORMAT:

 

The Cederberg Backyard Ultra follows a 7.8km loop format with 400m elevation, starting every 90 minutes for 15 consecutive loops (22.5 hours). 1. Each loop must be completed within 90 minutes to start the next. 2. Any runner who fails to complete a loop in time is considered out. 3. Runners must be present in the starting corral when the next loop begins. 4. At the 16th loop, if more than one runner remains, a final footrace will determine the winner - first across the line wins. 5. Cut-offs and timekeeping will be enforced by the Race Director and timing team.

GENERAL:

 

1. DNF (Did Not Finish): If you are unable to continue, proceed to the nearest Aid Station or checkpoint and inform the station captain immediately. 2. Mandatory gear must be carried at all times; spot checks will occur randomly. 3. Your race number must remain visible on the front of your body or outer pack. 4. Route adherence is mandatory - follow markers and marshal instructions at all times. 5. No pets allowed on the course or at race venues.

EMERGENCIES:

 

Runners participate at their own risk and must be self-sufficient between the aid station. The Cederberg’s remote terrain demands awareness, preparedness, and respect. Expect technical trails, exposure to elements, and limited access to assistance. Safety is our highest priority. You are responsible for knowing and following the emergency procedures below: If injured but mobile: 1. Continue back to the Aid Station and notify officials. If immobile: 1. Stay warm, dry, and visible. Use your first aid kit where possible. 2. Call the emergency number printed on your race number. Provide your name, bib number, and approximate location. 3. If there is no cell reception, alert another runner who can notify race officials. 4. Remain on the marked course until help arrives. Based on assessment, medical teams will determine whether you may continue or will be evacuated.

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REGISTRATION

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Friday, December 12 2025
 

14h00 - 19h00 | Jamaka Organic Farm, Clanwilliam (Plot 16i)
 

You’ve made it through the workweek and the long drive into the mountains - now it’s time to settle in.
 

Registration opens from 14h00 to 19h00 at Jamaka Organic Farm, our race base tucked beneath towering sandstone cliffs. Collect your race pack, check your compulsory gear, and ease into the weekend with good food, good people, and that unmistakable Cederberg calm.

We’ll be lighting the fire for Burgers and Boerie roll's Night - hearty, local, and best enjoyed barefoot under the stars. Pre-book your burger when you enter (and feel free to book extras for friends or family).

 

The Cederberg switches off early, so plan ahead - get registered, get fed, and get ready. Midnight’s start comes sooner than you think.

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WHAT TO BRING

 
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The backyard format tests both endurance and preparation - pack smart: 1. Running kit (shoes, shorts, tops, cap, etc.) 2. Hydration pack / belt 3. 2 x 500ml soft flask 4. Warm gear for the night loops 5. Headlamp (with spare batteries) 6. Nutrition/fuel you prefer between loops (gels, bars, recovery drink) 7. Camp chair or recovery spot between loops 8. Small towel for quick cleanups 9. First aid kit or blister care items 10. Sun protection hat, sunscreen, sunglasses

RACE DAY GEAR

 

Friday evening - Burgers and boerie rolls will be available for purchase at registration. 1. During the race - Runners will have access to water, electrolyte drink, fruit, potatoes, and light snacks at the aid station each loop. 2. Saturday night - Self-catering. Bring your own dinner ingredients, snacks, and breakfast supplies for the weekend. 3. Coffee/tea - Bring your own setup if you want a hot brew in the early morning hours (recommended!).

FOOD AND FUEL:

 

Bring everything you need to make your base camp comfortable and functional: 1. Tent or lightweight shelter 2. Sleeping bag and mat (nights can get cold in the Cederberg) 3. Headlamp or lantern – for pre-dawn loops and late-night prep 4. Camping chair or small fold-up stool 5. Cooler box for food and drinks 6. Cooking setup (small gas stove, pot/pan, utensils, lighter/matches) 7. Reusable water bottles and/or hydration bladder 8. Power bank for phone, watch, or headlamp charging 9. Towel and toiletries

CAMPING ESSENTIALS:

 

TERMS AND CONDITIONS:

I undertake to participate or attend this event entirely at my own risk. I agree that I shall have no claims whatsoever against the organizing body, any individuals, organiser or official, marshal, assistant, helper or agent, the sponsors, any local authority or land owners, in respect of any loss or damage whatsoever I may suffer arising from any injury to my person or loss or damage to property as a result of, or arising out of, whether directly or indirectly, my participation in this event, including my arrival and departure there from and attendance of any ceremony and function thereof, however such loss or damage may arise and regardless of whether or not same shall have been caused directly or indirectly by negligence, of one or more or all of the aforementioned parties. In the event of my approval of this form as a guardian of a minor, I hereby consent to such minor being bound by the foregoing and further I indemnify the aforementioned parties to the extent, if any, to which such minor is not capable of waiving his rights as stipulated within. I agree to participate subject to the rules of the event. By entering, I agree to email and SMS communications from Quicket and possibly the event organiser, regarding event details. I have read the above indemnity and the rules understand them and shall abide by them. Take Note: Using an illegitimate email and/or contact number and/or ID number (if required) could result in you losing your entry and forfeiting your payment. These credentials are used in disputes claims to ensure your identity and by providing incorrect details, we will not be able to verify your identity. CEDERBERG BACKYARD ULTRA – TERMS AND CONDITIONS By entering or attending the Cederberg Backyard Ultra, I acknowledge and accept the following: 1. Assumption of Risk & Indemnity I understand that participation in this event is entirely at my own risk. I hereby waive any and all claims of whatsoever nature against the organisers of the Cederberg Backyard Ultra, including but not limited to: race officials, marshals, assistants, helpers, agents, sponsors, landowners, and local authorities (collectively referred to as “the event parties”), for any loss, injury, or damage - whether to person or property - that I may suffer directly or indirectly as a result of my participation in or attendance at this event. This includes, but is not limited to, any claims arising from injury, illness, accident, theft, force majeure, or negligence (whether gross or otherwise) on the part of any of the event parties. I further acknowledge that trail running is a high-risk activity that may involve extreme conditions, physical exertion, and unpredictable terrain. 2. Event Rules & Communication Consent I agree to abide by all rules and instructions set out by the organisers of the Cederberg Backyard Ultra. I acknowledge that by entering the event, I consent to receiving email and SMS communications from Quicket and the Cederberg Backyard Ultra relating to event logistics and updates. 3. Personal Information Accuracy I understand that providing illegitimate or false personal information (including email address, contact number, or ID number, where required) may result in the forfeiture of my entry and payment. These credentials may be used to verify identity in the case of entry disputes or claims, and failure to provide accurate information may prevent such verification.

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