Rodopi Backyard Ultra

Basic Information

The goal of the race is for each athlete to cover the greatest possible distance, depending on their fitness level and experience. There is only one winner in a Backyard Ultra race — the athlete who covers the longest distance.

The course is a loop located within the campus of the Democritus University of Thrace in Komotini, approximately 5 kilometers from the city center. The start and finish line is near the outdoor athletics field, and the loop distance is 6.7 km.

Each loop starts on the hour, every hour. The organizers are required to notify the athletes at 3, 2, and 1 minute before the beginning of the next loop. All athletes must be at the starting line and begin the loop precisely on the hour. Any athlete who is late must turn in their bib number and is disqualified from the race. Each athlete has exactly one hour to complete the 6.7 km loop, rest, eat, change clothes and gear, and be ready to start the next loop on time. Time and energy management are critical to continuing in the race.

The course will be marked. No athlete is allowed to leave the course before completing the loop.

No support crew or pacers are allowed on the race course.

There will be a single aid station located at the start/finish area, under tents. In case of bad weather, a sheltered indoor space will be used. Athletes should be prepared and have everything they may need during their gear changes throughout the race. Headlamps and spare batteries are mandatory for athletes continuing into the night. The aid station will always provide water, isotonic drinks, and Coca-Cola. Athletes must have their own containers or cups for drinks. Bananas, salty and sweet snacks will be available during the first four hours of the race. After that, food will be available for as long as the race continues.

Poles (trekking sticks) are not allowed.

Live timing will be available throughout the race. There will also be two timing checkpoints with mats on the course — any athlete who attempts to cut the course will be automatically disqualified.

The winner is the last athlete to complete a full loop. All other participants are considered technical DNFs (Did Not Finish). If no athlete manages to complete a loop alone at the end, there is no winner.

Useful Links

For detailed information and registration: rodopirunners.gr

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