Best Dam Backyard Ultra
May 9 – May 11
The Best Dam Backyard Ultra starting on 9 May 2026 is a last one standing event based at Otematata Wetlands in Canterbury.
A Backyard Ultra is a form of ultramarathon race where competitors must consecutively run a 6.7km course in less than one hour, every hour. If a runner does not finish a lap within the hour they DNF (Did Not Finish). The race finishes when one person completes one more lap than anyone else.
The course is on well marked trails with minimal elevation gain and scenic views of wetlands, Lake Aviemore and mountains. It is the same as the day loop used by the NZ team in the 2024 World Team Championship.