How does a backyard ultra work?

Every hour, on the hour, all remaining runners start a 6.7km loop. Finish the loop before the next hour begins and you go again. Anyone who misses the cut-off or stops is out, and the last runner still going wins.

Is it only for elite ultra runners?

No. The event welcomes people who want to have fun as well as those who want to push their limits. The 6.7km loop is on a gravel trail with minimal elevation, and each completed loop counts, so you decide how long to keep going.

How much does it cost and how do I pay?

Registration is KES 500. Register via the online form and pay via M-Pesa to 0740 951 821 (Sammy Limo).

Can I come to support or spectate?

Yes. Spectators and support crews are welcome at the venue.

I run a business serving runners. Can I take part as a vendor?

Yes, the organisers are looking for vendors targeting the running community. Contact Nyaruai on +254 722 943 271 or Limo on +254 735 399 887.

Ultra Marathon

Nairobi Backyard Ultra and Global Championship

Saturday, 17 October 2026

7:00 AM (Assembly)

6.7k loop every hour until only one remains

About: The National Backyard Ultra and the Global Championship combined in one event, hosted at a new venue, Tatu City. Runners tackle a 6.7km loop every hour, with a gravel trail …more

About: The National Backyard Ultra and the Global Championship combined in one event, hosted at a new venue, Tatu City. Runners tackle a 6.7km loop every hour, with a gravel trail and minimal elevation that is easy on the knees. It suits both runners out for the fun of it and those who want to push their limits, with space for spectators and support crews.

Nairobi Backyard Ultra and Global Championship poster

Tatu City, Ruiru, Kiambu County

7:00 AM (Assembly)→8:30 AM (Start)

6.7km loop every hour until only one remains · Calculate pace

KES 500

Ultra Runners Kenya and ONE4ONE

+254 722 943 271 (Nyaruai)→+254 735 399 887 (Limo)

www.instagram.com/ultrarunners.kenya

@ultrarunners.kenya

forms.gle/48h6sQEYtxqtoQ3g6

Or pay via:M-Pesa to 0740 951 821 (Sammy Limo)

Vendors targeting the running community are invited to get in touch with the organisers.

Not long now!

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Saturday morning

Race week. Time to trust your training.

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Event Highlights

The National Backyard and the Global Championship combined in a single event, putting Kenya on the global backyard ultra map

Hosted at a new venue, Tatu City

The same 6.7km loop as previous editions: minimal elevation on a gravel trail that is easy on the knees

Held one week before the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon, so it works as an easy run for marathon runners

Open to runners out for fun and to those pushing their limits, plus spectators and support crews

Vendors targeting the running community are invited to take part

Race Fees

Category	Fee	Status
Registration Entry to the Nairobi Backyard Ultra and Global Championship.	KES 500	Available

Race Distance

6.7km loop every hour until only one remains

Pace Calculator

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Course Details

Backyard ultra format: everyone starts a 6.7km loop at the top of each hour, and runners who fail to complete a loop in time are eliminated. The race continues until only one runner remains. The loop at Tatu City is the same one used in previous editions, a gravel trail with minimal elevation. Assembly is at 7:00 AM and the first loop starts at 8:30 AM.

Getting There

Tatu City is in Ruiru, Kiambu County, approximately 20km from Nairobi CBD, around 34 minutes via Thika Road/A2 depending on traffic. From the CBD, take Tom Mboya Street to Murang'a Road, follow Thika Road/A2 and take exit 8, then follow Kamiti Road to Ruiru Kamiti Road/C63 and continue to Tatu City.

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