The rules for the Brandberg Backyard Ultra are listed below, (and are compatible with the required rules for any official Backyard Ultra as published by Lazarus Lake). Violation of any rule, (as determined by the race director), may subject a participant to removal.
Starts
• Each loop starts precisely at the top of the hour with the ringing of a cowbell
• Warning whistles will be given 3, 2, and 1 minutes prior to the start
• Any runner not in the starting corral at the bell is eliminated
• All runners must start, (leave the corral onto the course), at the bell. No late starts.
Loops
• Once a loop starts, no runner can leave the course (except for nature calls)
• No non-competitors are allowed on the course (some public may be encountered)
• No personal aid can be given during a loop, (specifically runners must not receive nor give anything to non-competitors during a loop. Runners can eat and drink what they are carrying and share things with other runners.)
• No artificial aids are allowed (including trekking poles)
• Each loop must be completed within an hour to be counted
• Slower runners must allow passes
Winner
• The race concludes immediately after the first loop that is completed successfully by only one runner or by no runners at all
• The winner is the person who completes a loop that no other runner completes
• All others are technically DNF
• If there is a loop that no runner completes, there is no winner
Race officials
• All participants must follow directions given by race officials
• The race director has final authority in case of any matters left unclear by these rules
Safety
Participants in the race are responsible for their own safety. Here are a few things to keep in
mind:
• The race course starts and ends in the town of Uis, but the largest part of the course will be on public jeep track on the outskirts of the town, within communal land of the Tsiseb Conservancy. It is possible to encounter pedestrians, bicyclists, tourist vehicles, some goats and their very protective herding dogs. Stay alert and aware of your surroundings.
• Headphones may be used while running, but it is the runner’s responsibility to ensure they don’t interfere with awareness of hazards.
• At night, all runners must wear appropriate gear and clothing both to see and to be seen. This includes a functioning light source and some reflective material. Plan ahead with spare batteries.
