My first backyard, did 14 laps and then got timed out which is my fault for not training, nothing to do with the course which was mint or the organisation which was also mint. Ended up staying till Monday cos my mate won, which was a buzz. Everyone was really friendly and someone even gave me a beer. Didn't see the end though cos I had to go back to London for work on Tuesday. Love him but not worth getting fired for. See you all next year.

Absolutely loved this event, first ever time stepping into the backyard world, I’ve been following this event on social media for a while now, thought the 6 hour option was ideal for a starting point.
Thoroughly enjoyed the event from start to finish, great route and everyone was so friendly. Although I was glad I just did the 6 hour option I will definitely be back for longer. I couldn’t recommend this event highly enough.

Lindley, an absolutely terrific event, and impeccably organised as usual. 2026 course past the wonderful foxgloves, ferns, sandy terrain coming through the last mile was an excellent change. Not able to better my PB, but also not disappointed. I very much appreciated your heartfelt handshake on the line when I retired. Massive thanks, Cam.

The forest is a beautiful setting for a backyard ultra. The first mile being a gradual downhill is a nice way to start the loop, then a slight climb and mostly flat afterwards. My second time here and will be back for a third

I don’t like negative reviews but if no one tells then you’ll never know . On the website it said keep tents to a minimum size , when we got there , there was tents the size of small hamlets , I think a size restriction ( measurements ) so people know what to bring , would help ,I could’ve brought my gazebo had I realised everyone else had . Also there was nothing on the website to say the car park was a good walk , having done this before I thought the car park was closer .
Can’t fault the volunteers they worked extremely hard .
I thought the 6 and 12 hour add on event was a bit meh, it’s a backyard ultra , clues in the title . Did this event back in 2021 and it was so much better without the add on .
There should have been a specific tent for cooking and manned at all times . The overall atmosphere was like Endure , a mixture of road runners , people dipping their toes and overall non supportive community , not what the ultra trail community is about in my opinion . There were people ringing the bell and not one person clapping their achievement , again , not what the ultra community is about , it’s almost like I’m glad you’re out let’s move on , nothing you can do about that I suppose .

I opted for the 6 hour version as it was my first time at this type of event. I loved every minute of it and I'll definitely be back to attempt the full version. All staff were really friendly and supportive. An excellent, well organised event.

First ever backyard ultra so opted for the 6 hour option. Really enjoyed the concept. All staff and runners are so friendly a really great event. Thank you.

5th time and 1st on the new course which is faster, wider and better under foot.
If I were to give any constructive criticism it would be that I’m not sure the front loading coral works, messy squeezing runners at the start as well as runners finishing running into people who had already finished and were walking back up the course- same as runners coming in near the 57/58 mark having to dodge runners walking to the coral.
No dogs on site in the race info but from the get go dog on site barking at everything.
This is something the Challenge has no control over but needs to be considered. There is absolutely no phone signal either in camp or anywhere on the course- if theres a medical emergency, how do we contact RC?
Lastly I want to say a massive thank you to Leslie who was situated at the registration tent. Without her my race day would have been a right off as I’d come out without my racebelt. She kindly lent me hers to which I’m forever grateful. Cheers Leslie- you are a credit to Challenge.

As usual a great event. Super atmosphere, very friendly crowd, whether runners, crews, or organisers. I preferred the more complex route of previous years in Knetishall, with many markers to start walking, running, and keep the mind busy. However, this flat and hard course, with few roots, has great potential and my daughter loved it. Her first BY. Agree with other comments re: hot food. The super expensive burgers sold by the commercial van were of subpar quality.

This was my first BYU (and a first looped course generally) after a few "regular" ultramarathons under my belt. The course was perfect: very pretty and very easy. I kept thinking how lucky I was that my first ever BYU is in Thetford Forest. It's very tempting to come back sooner rather than later!

It took me a few hours to find my rhythm, and it really felt like the event became more, rather than less, fun as the time went on and the field started to thin out. I wish I had planned to stay longer!

My only minor complaint is I really wish we weren't asked to pitch our tents so close to the portaloos, especially as there was quite a lot of space available when we arrived. Perhaps next year you can try filling that area last? :)

I really liked the course, even though it was very congested the first 12 hours. i easily get a sensory overload. Much better after day 1. Would not send out more than 300 people here. Very friendly organisation, big camping area. Would like to cook my own cup of tea but can work around that with crew. Dogtags are cool! Wish I was still running around. :D Great work by everybody, will be back!

Thought Steve recording the event last year was great, it was nice to come home and follow it till the end, he made it interesting to watch and you always knew what was going on in terms on laps and runners left ect, missed that this year.

Second time running the SBYU, enjoyed pushing the distance on a slightly easier course.

T-shirt design was much better this year, would love to see the dog-tag for next year in Gold :)

SW

First rate pre race information as to expected from Challenge Running. Large campsite with welcoming volunteers/marshalls.
Great course with the "downhill" section at the start, then a small "hill" and many flat sections with a slight slope leading to the finish.
Large number of
runners and there could have been a few more toilets, as at times there were reasonable queues.

Weather was shocking and thinned the field (myself included), but the event was brilliant. Already signed up for 2026

Brilliant race as always, well organised, so much fun day and night. Food van was brilliant.
Only thing we missed this year was the commentary and music in the village. This made the atmosphere a bit flat in the village. Previous years the commentary helped crews get more involved and helped runners too

The only note i would make was the amount of portaloos. Queuing for the portaloos between laps when busting wasnt fun. But on the whole the event was amazing and i had an amazing time.