Gjesdal Backyard 2026

Gjesdal Backyard is a backyard-style ultra held in Ålgård, Norway, on a Saturday in September, starting from the Gjesdal IL clubhouse. Runners begin at 09:00 and commence a new lap each full hour until the evening, accumulating a total race distance of 80.4 km. The concept centers on the backyard idea of completing one more lap, repeatedly, instead of a continuous point-to-point course. Participants must be at least 16 years old, and Gjesdal IL ensures health personnel are present throughout the day. Runners regroup in Storsalen between laps, where each receives a designated chair and access to the clubhouse changing rooms and toilets. The support system, offering water, fruit, juice, chips, gummy sweets, cola, sandwiches, warm food after lap 6, and Jæder-burgers after lap 12. Entertainment and occasional surprises are provided to encourage the "one more round" mentality. Participants are required to bring their own cup, shoes suitable for varied terrain, attire for fluctuating weather, and a headlamp for potentially dark final laps. Prizes are awarded to the top three male and female finishers overall, and for the fastest final lap by male and female runners.