Hello and welcome 2024 Brandberg Backyarders!

We want to ensure that you arrive in Uis properly armed and prepared to relax and enjoy your weekend to the fullest. Therefore, please remember the following.

Race Schedule

The event will take place on Saturday 3 August in Uis, with the start/finish area at Brandberg Rest Camp.

  • Registration and race pack pick-up Friday from 16h00 to 18h00 at Brandberg Rest Camp.
  • Race Village set up Friday 2 August from 15h00 to 18h00 at Brandberg Rest Camp.
  • Pre-race welcome dinner at Brandberg Rest Camp Friday 2 August, from 18h30. (tickets are included in Ultra and Challenge entries).
  • Race briefing at Brandberg Rest Camp Friday 2 August after dinner, 19h30
  • Run start (all events): Saturday 3 August at 8h00.
  • Event conclusion and prize giving at Brandberg Rest Camp after the last runner ran their last loop.

EVENT AUCTION: Like in the past, there will be an event auction in support of our various environmental conservation causes. The auction will follow during the week after the race, starting on Monday 5 August and will take place on the BBU Auction Whatsapp group. The group invitation is HERE, and all bidders are welcome. The auction rules will be communicated before commencement.

2024 BBU Auction Environmental Conservation Causes

Race Village Resources

  • A common aid station will be available for actively participating runners, serving basic snacks but won’t be sufficient to fuel a marathon or longer.
  • Athletes are responsible for their own race food to sustain them throughout their run.
  • Drinking water will be available at the aid station.
  • Hot water will be available at the aid station for coffee/tea/soup etc.
  • There will be first aid and emergency medical response on standby.
  • The swimming pool will be available to all (yes, Uis can get hot in Winter as well).
  • There are several bathrooms in the main lodge, as well as the camping area with toilets and shower facilities.
  • There is no external power available at the race village. Runners are to provide their own lighting at individual gazebos.

Race Village Setup

The start/finish area of the event will be in the eastern open space of the Brandberg Rest Camp. This area will include the start/finish corral of the run, the event operations hub, and the runners’ gazebos. Please note that this is NOT the campsite. Tents for sleeping will only be set up in the campsite.

Please note:

  • All ultra runners are to provide and set up a station under a gazebo in this area, whether their own or sharing with a friend.
  • The BBU crew will lay out and assign specific areas for runners’ gazebos, prioritising ultra runners closer to the starting corral, and specifically ultra runners intending to be in it for the long haul. The floor plan/layout and placement of gazebos will be available from the organisers during set up.
  • Runners without gazebos are encouraged to share.
  • Branded gazebos are allowed, but no other personal/sponsors’ advertisement banners without pre-approval from the organisers.
  • No tents will be allowed in the Race Village, only open gazebos and only in designated areas.
  • Portable braais are allowed in open, safe areas around the central race hub, but the availability of wood can’t be guaranteed so please bring some along.

Runners will be responsible for:

  • Own race food sufficient to sustain them for the duration of their race.
  • Own cups for use at the aid station. No disposable cups will be available at the aid station.
  • Reflective clothing and headlamps with sufficient batteries for night loops. These are required gear for all ultra runners and will be checked during registration and before the first night loop. No runner will be allowed out on the course without these safety requirements during night loops.
  • Own gazebo, chairs/tables and crew for the duration of the race. A layout of the start/finish area will be available at check-in that will demarcate specific locations for gazebo setup.
  • There is no external power available at the race village. Runners are to provide their own lighting at individual gazebos.

Rules

Official Backyard Ultra rules apply and are listed HERE. Runners are required to familiarise themselves with the rules before the race.

Important: No assistance can be provided to any runner while running a loop, (that is, from the ringing of the cowbell until the runner has crossed the finish line after completing the entire loop). This includes seconding (accompanying a runner), either on foot, by bicycle, or in any other way or form. Violating this rule will subject a runner to disqualification and removal from the race.

Also please note: NO DOGS are allowed on the trails, at the Race Village or Brandberg Rest Camp, not even little ones / leashed ones / well-behaved ones.

Accommodation

Participants are encouraged to book accommodation earliest. Rooms and camping are available at Brandberg Rest Camp. The entire lodge is reserved for the event for that weekend, please contact them directly at 064-504 038 or brandberg@africaonline.com.na. Do not try to book online at booking(dot)com, it will show zero availability. Alternatively, check for other accommodation establishments on our website or contact the race director for recommendations at NamibiaUltraTrails@gmail.com.na

We hope that you are just as excited as we are by now! Please don’t hesitate to contact us should you have any questions or requests, we will do our best to help or accommodate you.

See you soon!

Namibia Ultra Trails team

Brandberg Backyard Ultra Presenting Partner