The Event
The Garden City Backyard Ultra comprises laps of the Toowoomba Showgrounds, including the Main Arena, the Peter Watts Criterium Track, and the Wilderness Challenge.
The Concept
The backyard ultra is a race where competitors must consecutively run the distance of 6.706 kilometres in less than one hour. The last competitor standing wins. It's a test of endurance, grit, and mental toughness.
Mark the Date
Saturday, October 3rd, 2026
7:00 AM Start
Carnival of Flowers
Timed to coincide with Toowoomba's biggest tourist event.
Onsite Camping
100 camp sites available!
Past Results
Discover Toowoomba
Our event coincides with the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers - the biggest tourist attraction on the Toowoomba calendar. The whole town shows off with public parks and private gardens planted to perfection.
Easy to Get To
Plenty of Hotels
Things to Do
Good Food
Our Course
Our course features varied running surfaces and landscapes: the dirt of the Main Arena, the bitumen of the Peter Watts Criterium cycling track, the grass and trail sections of the Wilderness Challenge, and the rocky gully affectionately known as "Theresa's Gully." Finally, a partial round of the Showgrounds Lake.
The course has received widespread positive feedback from all who have completed a round, including Tim Walsh of Dead Cow Gully, father of Queensland Backyard Ultras.
Ready for the Challenge?
Sign up now for early bird pricing. Good until June 29, 2026!
Register Now!
Frequently Asked Questions
A Backyard Ultra is a race format where runners must complete a set distance (6.706km for GCBU) within one hour. Each hour, a new lap begins. The last person standing - the only one to complete a lap when all others have dropped out - wins. It's the ultimate test of endurance!
While experience helps, many first-time ultra runners successfully complete their first Backyard Ultra. If you can run a marathon, you have a solid base. Training and mental preparation are key.
Yes! We have 100 camp sites available at the Toowoomba Showgrounds. Visit the Toowoomba Show website for camping details and bookings.
Your entry includes race timing, a 3x3m area on the main arena suitable for a gazebo or similar, a finisher's trinket (if you complete at least one lap), access to aid stations throughout the event, and the support of our amazing volunteer crew.
Each lap must be completed within one hour. There is no overall event time limit - the race continues until only one runner remains. However, the event typically runs for 24-48 hours.
Yes! Crews are welcome and encouraged. Having support can make a huge difference in your ultra experience. Check our event guide for crew guidelines.
Our Sponsors
Proudly supported by our amazing sponsors and partners.
Our Team
These are the people you'll encounter at GCBU. Get ready to say hi!
John Hughes
Ideas Man and Race Director
Theresa Evans
Toowoomba Backyard Royalty and Deputy Race Director
Stuart Pocknee
Wordsmith, Webmaster, Bottle WasherContact Us
Send us an email, or connect on Facebook or Instagram!
Location
Toowoomba Showgrounds
Glenvale Rd, Glenvale QLD 4350