GV Last Man Standing Backyard Ultra 2026

Northern Victoria's original Backyard Ultra uses Tom Collins Drive as its base, offering a fast, flat loop race with no soft landing. The field typically consists of experienced ultra runners, and a recent event saw 71 participants. The premise is stark: "You win, or you don't finish." Most of the course consists of paved bitumen and concrete, with compacted gravel sections near the lake and botanical gardens, allowing for steady pacing until the cumulative effect of time becomes the primary obstacle. Participants return to the start/finish village each hour for rest, food, and recovery before the next loop. While the village atmosphere between loops is a notable aspect, the "relentless hourly cadence is the real challenge," as runners push their limits against the clock until a single victor emerges.