Rodopi Backyard Ultra 2027

Rodopi Backyard Ultra is a backyard-style ultramarathon held in Komotini, Greece, on the Democritus University of Thrace campus, approximately 5 km from the city center. Participants complete a 6.7 km loop, with each new lap commencing precisely on the hour. The format is straightforward and demanding: complete the loop, then use the remaining time within the hour for rest, nutrition, gear changes, and returning to the start line before the next hour begins. The victor is the last runner capable of starting and finishing laps. The start and finish are located near the outdoor athletics field, meaning the race returns to a single control point rather than crossing a long, linear course. Officials provide 3, 2, and 1-minute warnings before each restart. Runners who are late to the start must surrender their bib and withdraw from the race. As each lap covers the same distance while fatigue accumulates, the contest emphasizes not only running speed but also pacing, nutrition, rest, and effectively managing equipment for the night to be ready for the hourly restart.