PRESS RELEASE | OFFICIAL RACE ANNOUNCEMENT 5th CRETAN BACKYARD ULTRA
11/3/2026
PRESS RELEASE | OFFICIAL RACE ANNOUNCEMENT
5th CRETAN BACKYARD ULTRA
Saturday, January 16, 2027 · 11:00 · Voritsi, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
The Cretan Backyard Ultra returns on Saturday, January 16, 2027, in Voritsi, Heraklion, for its fifth consecutive edition. Starting at 11:00, the race invites runners from Greece and abroad to take part in a challenge with no predetermined finishing distance: one loop every hour, for as long as each participant can continue.
From Greece's First Backyard Ultra to Its Fifth Edition
The story began in 2023, when Idean Routes and Xoxlios Team organized Greece's first Backyard Ultra race in Fourni. In the following editions, Voritsi became the race's home. A small, traditional village in the Cretan countryside welcomes athletes, support crews, and volunteers every winter, creating an experience that combines ultradistance running, hospitality, and community.
In 2026, French runner Antoine Guillon completed 39 loops, setting the best performance in the history of the Cretan Backyard Ultra. Beyond the performances, however, lies the defining characteristic of the Backyard format: each athlete decides how far they will go, and every loop has its own value.
How the Race Works
Participants must complete a 6.7056-kilometer loop in less than 60 minutes. Exactly one hour after the previous start, the next loop begins, with all remaining runners starting together. Any remaining time can be used for nutrition, equipment changes, and rest. Anyone who fails to complete a loop within the time limit or is not in the starting area at the next starting signal is eliminated. The winner is the only athlete who manages to complete one more loop than all the others.
The event uses two courses of equivalent prescribed distance: the Day Loop, featuring more natural terrain and trails, and the Night Loop, which is smoother and better suited to running in darkness. The transition between day and night becomes part of the race strategy. The race remains open-ended, with no predetermined finishing time.
A Race That Also Tells Human Stories
The human side of the event was captured in the documentary "ENDURE", which follows the Cretan Backyard Ultra 2026, the athletes' journeys, and the atmosphere of their shared effort. The sport and its unique philosophy were also presented on the Thomaidis Trail show, featuring the event's Technical Director, Emmanouil Konstantoulakis. Both videos are available for anyone who wants to discover the race before standing on the starting line.
Organization, Facilities, and Basic Rules
The event provides electronic timing, results updates, an organized aid station, toilet facilities, medical support, photography, a commemorative T-shirt, and a medal. A Tent Village operates at the race base, offering shared tents and rest areas.
To ensure sufficient space and unobstructed movement, only one accredited support crew member per athlete is permitted at a time in the event's shared tents. The support crew member may be replaced using the same accreditation pass. A few days before the race, an email will be sent for the registration of support crew members and the issuance of accreditation passes. This restriction is a local organizational rule and does not impose a numerical limit on approved private support areas.
CRETAN BACKYARD ULTRA 2027 | IDEAN ROUTES | WWW.IDEANROUTES.GR
Athletes compete according to the international Backyard Ultra rules: no pacing or external assistance during a loop, and full respect for course markings and simultaneous starts. The central aid station is exclusively for registered participants. A policy limiting single-use plastics is in effect, and every athlete must bring their own cup and reusable container. A headlamp is required during nighttime hours. Team awards and additional distinctions are local awards and do not alter the official Backyard Ultra classification.
From Voritsi to the International Stage
The Cretan Backyard Ultra 2027 is listed in the international Backyard Ultra race calendar as a Bronze event. Provided that the official rules are followed and the results are validated, performances may count toward the selection rankings for the national team participating in the Satellite World Team Championship 2028 and the At-Large selection process for the individual Big's Backyard Ultra 2027.
Participation or victory at the Cretan Backyard Ultra does not guarantee automatic qualification. Selection depends on performances, eligibility, and the procedures of the relevant international qualification cycle.
Registration and Information
Registration is open through the official website. The current entry fee is €70 for registrations completed by January 6, 2027, according to the announced pricing period.
Detailed technical instructions, course information, and participation terms are available at ideanroutes.gr.
EVENT DETAILS & MEDIA MATERIAL
Registration
https://ideanroutes.gr/event/cretan-backyard-ultra-2026/
Organizers
Xoxlios Team – Idean Routes
Co-organizers
Voritsi Cultural Association "Agia Marina" – Municipality of Hersonissos
Gold Sponsors
DOT TRAVEL – 2B CREATIVE
Technical Director
Emmanouil Konstantoulakis
Contact
ideanroutes@gmail.com | +30 694 586 3051 | www.ideanroutes.gr
Audiovisual Material
ENDURE – Cretan Backyard Ultra 2026: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qa12XquNujI
Thomaidis Trail – Presentation and Analysis: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1P9p3fdKlVo
CRETAN BACKYARD ULTRA 2027 | IDEAN ROUTES | WWW.IDEANROUTES.GR
TECHNICAL INSTRUCTIONS – CRETAN BACKYARD ULTRA 2027
For detailed information regarding race regulations, courses, nutrition and aid stations, mandatory equipment, athlete support, and race procedures, please refer to the official technical instructions provided by the organizers.
📄 CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE OFFICIAL TECHNICAL INSTRUCTIONS 2027 (PDF)
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