Beecraigs Backyard Ultra – How Far Will You Go?

Back by popular demand. 🏆

The Beecraigs Backyard Ultra returns to Beecraigs Country Park, West Lothian on Saturday 24th April 2027 — and after a sell-out first year, we can't wait to do it all again.

In 2026, Craig McQueen became the first ever Last One Standing at Beecraigs, completing an incredible 34 loops — that's 142 miles through Scottish forest and lochside trails. Christine Caldwell pushed him every step of the way, earning the assist with 33. The standard has been set. Think you've got what it takes?

This event isn't about how fast you can go. It's about how long you're willing to keep going. Runners complete a 4.167-mile loop every hour, on the hour, until only one remains. Finish your loop, rest, reset… and go again.

No set finish line. No fancy finishing tape. Just the drive to push your limits and the chance to be the last one standing.

Race Day Details

• Start time: 11:00am
• Venue opens: 7:00am, 24th April
• Registration: from 7:00am
• Race Briefing: 10:30am

This is the Beecraigs Backyard Ultra — Scotland's Central Belt entry in the global Backyard Ultra family.

❓ What Is a Backyard Ultra?

A Backyard Ultra strips racing back to its rawest form. No set distance. No easy way out.

At 11:00am sharp, everyone sets off together on a 4.167-mile loop — started, in true Beecraigs tradition, with the Race Director taking a bite of a banana 🍌 (if you know, you know). Finish within the hour, and you earn the right to start the next lap. And the next. And the one after that.

Don't make it back in time? You're out. Not in the corral when the bell goes? You're out.

The race ends only when the last runner standing completes a solo lap. Everyone else is a DNF — but everyone goes home with a medal. 🏅

What's Included?

Your entry covers:

• Race participation and timing
• Parking for one vehicle (see Parking notes below)
• Access to camping area (tent or small shelter)
• Hot water, tea & coffee provisions (bring your own reusable cup — this is non-negotiable! ♻️)
• Basic snacks for self-supported runners
• Toilets
• Live results and lap tracking
• Finisher's medal for every participant
• Trophy for the Last One Standing and the Assist

📍 Location

Beecraigs Country Park, near Linlithgow, West Lothian, Scotland

Nestled in the Bathgate Hills, Beecraigs offers forest trails, wildlife, and wide open skies — and in April, everything from crisp spring mornings to dark, moody night loops. Just 30 minutes from Edinburgh and easily accessible from across Scotland.

We'll send out detailed directions, site access info, and GPS links in your final race pack.

🏃 Course Info

Each lap is 4.167 miles (6.7km) — the official Backyard Ultra distance — with approximately 150m of elevation per loop. The route follows a mix of forest trail, gravel paths, and undulating woodland tracks.

Runnable, scenic, and just hilly enough to keep you honest. Ask Craig.

The loop is the same every hour. Route markings will be clear and consistent. GPX and Strava links will be published ahead of the event.

⛺ Camping + Parking

Camping Each runner has access to a tent or small shelter space in the camping zone. Please note that open flames and camping stoves are strictly prohibited on site — this is a Park health and safety requirement, no exceptions. If you need a hot meal, plan accordingly before or after the event.

A small area is available for solo runners without crew. If you need this space, please email us ahead of the event to register your need — spaces are limited.

Campervans If you're planning to bring a campervan, please let us know when registering. There are dedicated spaces in the car park close to the event field, and we need to plan these in advance.

Parking Each runner entry includes parking for one vehicle. Please be mindful when arranging crew and support access — parking on site is restricted and additional vehicles will need to use parking elsewhere in the park. Plan ahead and let your crew know!

Starting Corral Rules

• Each lap starts exactly on the hour, every hour
• You must be in the starting corral when the bell rings — no exceptions
• Warnings at 3, 2, and 1 minute before each lap begins
• No poles or on-course assistance allowed
• Support between laps only, never during

🚻 Toilets

Portaloos are located immediately after the start line for easy access between laps. Runners may only leave the course to use the toilet — no other mid-loop detours permitted.

🍵 Facilities

• Hot water, tea & coffee available for runners and crew
• You must bring your own reusable cup — no disposable cups will be provided ♻️
• Self-service snack table (water, squash, fruit and basic snacks) — for self-supported runners only
• All runners should bring their own food and fuel, especially if you're planning to go deep
• First aiders on site at all times

🎒 Kit List

Compulsory:

• Head torch, chest torch or waist torch
• Hi-vis or reflective clothing for after dark
• Race number (collected at registration)

Recommended:

• Weather-appropriate layers (April in Scotland can bring absolutely anything)
• Reusable cup (mandatory for hot drinks on site)
• Trail shoes
• Warm clothing for crew or downtime
• Your own food and fuel for the long haul

⚠️ Important

• Open flames and camping stoves are strictly prohibited — Park H&S requirement
• Runners may only leave the course to use the toilet
• You must check out at Race HQ when you DNF or withdraw

🏅 Results + Prizes

• Every finisher receives a medal 🏅
• The Last One Standing must complete a solo lap to claim the title
• If no one completes a solo lap, there is no winner
• Last One Standing receives: trophy + free entry to the following year's event
• The Assist (last DNF) receives: trophy

❗ In Case of Cancellation

For full details on cancellation, postponement and refund policy, please refer to our T&Cs at runsmileinspire.com