PUNE BackYard Ultra| Maharashtra, India | 04th OCTOBER 2025

Published by Vikas Solanki

Are you ready for a challenge that separates the finishers from the fallen? Then gear up for PUNE Backyard Ultra, kicking off at the crack of dawn on September 27th, 2025

Lavasa’s Backyard Ultra, Pune is India’s first Backyard Ultra with multi category competition where we have done the math for you and all you have to do is to run. At the first edition of PUNE Backyard ULtra, we are running BACKYARD 8, BACKYARD 15, BACKYARD 24 and the signature Backyard Ultra. The shorter categories give you a definite goal within certain hours – all you need to do is Run. 

 

The Format: Last Man Standing

Imagine this: a looped course bathed in the golden light of  mountain sunrise. You conquer it, then you do it again, every hour, on the hour. This isn’t about speed or distance; it’s about grit, strategy, and the unwavering will to be the last one standing. Complete the loop within 60 minutes, and you get to rise again for the next battle. As the sun dips and the moon takes over, the challenge intensifies, but so does the camaraderie among runners. It’s a race against the clock, the elements, and ultimately, yourself.

Inspired by a Legend: A Legacy Takes Root in India

This unique format draws inspiration from the legendary Big’s Backyard Ultra, the brainchild of ultrarunning’s toughest hombre, Gary “Lazarus Lake” Cantrell. PUNE Backyard Ultra shares a similar spirit to his infamous Big’s Backyard Ultra, the Tennessee backyard brawl that birthed the Backyard Ultra phenomenon. Our race offers a chance to experience the magic of this format right here in India, in its Western Ghats.

The Ultimate Glory: A Shot at Global Grandeur

While only one will be crowned victor at PUNE Backyard Ultra, the glory extends far beyond the finish line. Winners of Backyard Ultras around the world earn the coveted right to enter Big’s Backyard Ultra, the ultimate test of an ultrarunner’s mettle. So, this could be your stepping stone to the international Backyard Ultra stage!

 

 

Categories:

BACKYARD 8

Run for eight hours on Lavasa’s Backyard Ultra Loop and get to learn about this format. We have sorted put the 50KM distance for you. Finish the race and grab a FINISHER Memento only to come back again next year for the greater one.

BACKYARD 15

Run for fifteen hours on Lavasa’s Backyard Ultra Loop and score a 100 K under your belt. We have sorted put the 100KM distance for you through this interesting one of a kind format. Finish the race and grab a FINISHER Memento only to come back again next year for the greater one.

BACKYARD 24

Run for twenty four hours on Lavasa’s Backyard Ultra Loop and you will have your hundred miler under your name. We have sorted put the 100 mile distance for you through this interesting one of a kind format. Finish the race and grab a FINISHER Memento only to come back again next year for the greater one.

BACKYARD 24

This is the signature Last Man Standing backyard Ultra. Sign up if you are chasing greatness, of a different kind.

Lavasa’s Backyard Ultra: Race Rules & Format

Get ready to push your limits in this unique “Last Runner Standing” challenge!

The Start:

  • Lavasa’s Backyard Ultra, Pune kicks off at 7:00 am sharp on Saturday, September 21, 2024.

The Loop:

  • You’ll conquer a designated course, with 60 minutes to complete each loop.
  • Finish within the hour? You get to tackle the next one! Fall short? Your journey ends (DNF).

Staying on Track:

  • Once the loop starts, you’re on your own for aid. Crew and fellow runners can only cheer you on from designated areas.
  • Nature calls? Take a bathroom break off-course, but rejoin the marked trail quickly.
  • Artificial aids like trekking poles are a no-no. Rely on your inner strength!

The Corral:

  • Completing a loop within the hour earns you a spot back in the starting corral. Be there before the next hour begins, or it’s a DNF (no exceptions).
  • Use your time to refuel, rest, or strategize for the next loop. But remember, late starts aren’t allowed!

Backyard 24 / 15/ 8 Rules

  1. No winner is named. Participants either finish or DNF
  2. All other Backyard Rules apply.
  3. All participants of all categories at the event must start at the same time.
  4. 8/15 hrs finishers will not have any eligibility for national championship event. Only 24hrs will get opportunity if seats are available in national championship. So basically fixed hours are mainly to get the feel of BackYard Ultra..

Food & Hydration:

  • Bring your own hydration system (cupless race!). We’ll provide basic runner fare and water at the Start/Finish area.
  • You can set up a small chair near the start/finish for quick access between loops.

Support Crew:

  • Groups aren’t allowed, but a minimal crew can assist you before and after each loop, not during.

Course Access:

  • The marked course opens for exploration after noon on Friday, once ready.
  • Only active runners and officials can access the course after the first loop begins. Crew and eliminated runners must wait until the race is over.

The Finish Line (or Not):

  • The last runner standing after everyone else has succumbed claims victory!
  • If two runners remain, and one fails to complete a loop, the other wins.
  • If both refuse the final loop, there’s no winner (all DNF).

The Big Prize:

  • The champion earns the coveted SILVER TICKET to the Big’s Backyard Ultra Satellite WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP 2024!

Additional Notes:

  • Race entries are non-transferable.
  • Stay on the marked course; shortcuts lead to disqualification.
  • Be courteous to other trail users. Announce your presence when passing.
  • Dropping out? Notify the race director at an aid station.
  • No smoking or alcohol for runners or crew during the race.

Hydration Station:

  • No aid stations mar the course itself. But fear not, a pit stop awaits at the Start/Finish area.
  • Here, you’ll find water, electrolyte drinks, and some basic snacks to keep you going.

Cupless Race:

  • Lavasa’s Backyard Ultra is an eco-friendly event! We ditch the plastic waste and embrace reusables.
  • Be sure to bring your own hydration system (bottle, pack, or cup) to refill at the Start/Finish station.
  • Littering is a big no-no and can lead to disqualification.

Fueling Your Journey:

  • While carrying a bottle on the course is optional, it’s recommended for those who get thirsty quickly.
  • If you have specific dietary needs or prefer special drinks/snacks, come prepared! We won’t have everything on hand.

Logistics

  1. Runners are responsible for their food: snacks, energy drinks, meals, etc. Only water will be provided on site.
  2. Runners will have space to install a tent and their belongings issued on first come first served basis.
  3. Toilet will be available at the race venue.
  4. They can be accompanied by a team that can offer them comfort and support.
  5. When they abandon, participants will receive a DNF (Did Not Finish) MUG.
  6. Lavasa’s Backyard Ultra, Pune  is a bronze ticket event and the WInner will be eligible for National Championship participation.. If all 15 seats of championship is not covered by winners than the best of all backyard races in India will get invitation subject to they ran 24hrs or plus.

Mandatory Gear

  • Headlamp
  • Reflective vest/tape : minimum 20 sq. in. of reflective material
  • Hydration vest/cup/bottle with minimum 200 ml capacity

Suggested Gear

  • Spare Headlamps/batteries
  • Blanket
  • Food and hydration drinks
  • Tent for shelter
  • Chair

BASIC EXPECTATIONS

  • Race entries/bib numbers are not transferable – hence NO unofficial runners.
  • The course will be well marked with ribbon, flags and paint. Stay on the course at all times. Do not cut the course for any reason. Any runner caught doing so will be disqualified.
  • Please respect others that are on the trail. The trails on the course are open to the public and will be well traveled in some places.  Please announce your intentions to pass if you are coming upon another runner or public in general.
  • If at anytime you intend to drop out of the race, please do so at an aid station/checkpoint by notifying the race director. Surrendering your bib will serve as notice of withdrawal/DNF for the race. Failure to follow these policies means somebody has to come looking for you and it will be a costly affair that you will have to bear.
  • Smoking and consuming alcoholic beverages during the race and at the race site is not permitted for runners or their crew. Any violations will have serious consequences, including disqualification.