{"id":701,"date":"2026-07-14T04:18:42","date_gmt":"2026-07-14T04:18:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/namibiaultratrails.com\/?page_id=701"},"modified":"2026-07-15T05:34:54","modified_gmt":"2026-07-15T05:34:54","slug":"2026-bbu-event-weekend-schedule-and-checklist","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/namibiaultratrails.com\/index.php\/2026-bbu-event-weekend-schedule-and-checklist\/","title":{"rendered":"2026 BBU Event Weekend Schedule and Checklist"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Welcome to the 5th Brandberg Backyard Ultra!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We&#8217;re looking forward to welcoming you to Uis for another unforgettable weekend of running, friendship, conservation and plenty of backyard madness!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Whether you&#8217;ve followed every newsletter or this is your first event update, please take a few minutes to read through this important information before travelling to Uis and Brandberg Rest Camp.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Race Schedule<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The event takes place on <strong>Saturday, 18 July<\/strong>, at <strong>Brandberg Rest Camp, Uis<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Friday, 17 July<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>16:00 \u2013 18:00 | Registration &amp; Race Pack Collection<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Brandberg Rest Camp.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ultra runners intending to run night loops <strong>must bring their compulsory night gear<\/strong> (headlamp, spare batteries and reflective gear) for inspection and clearance (you will receive a sticker on your race number).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>15:00 onwards | Race Village Setup<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The BBU team will allocate gazebo spaces, with preference given to Ultra runners.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>18:00 \u2013 20:00 | Pre-Race Welcome Dinner<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Pre-booked ticket holders only.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ticket sales have now closed.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>19:30 | Compulsory Race Briefing<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Please bring your camping chair.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Saturday, 18 July<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>07:30 | Runners sign in<\/strong><br>Ultra \u2022 Challenge \u2022 Fun Run<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>08:00 | Race Start<\/strong><br>Ultra \u2022 Challenge \u2022 Fun Run<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Prize Giving<\/strong><br>Immediately after the final runner completes their last lap.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Throughout the Day<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Race Village will be buzzing with activities for runners, supporters and families, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Sponsor lucky draws with <strong>AMAZING prizes<\/strong> throughout the day and night<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Kids&#8217; Treasure Hunt around the venue with prizes for every participant<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Children&#8217;s BB Gun Target Shooting<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Food and refreshments<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Conservation displays by our three auction beneficiaries<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Plenty of backyard cheering, entertainment and good company<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Turnaround Cheers<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Book your ticket early and catch a ride on the <strong>official Cowbell Cruiser<\/strong>\u2014the <strong>only permitted vehicle on the course<\/strong>\u2014to the Turnaround Cheers station.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This stands to become one of the most festive parts of the BBU weekend, so come along, ring those cowbells and cheer every runner to another lap!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Don&#8217;t forget to bring your:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\ud83d\udece\ufe0f BBU Cowbell Medal<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u2615 2026 BBU Commemorative Mug (for your complimentary drink)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Event Auction<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Our annual silent auction returns in support of three incredible Namibian conservation organisations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The online auction opens on <strong>Monday, 20 July<\/strong> and will take place on the <strong>BBU Auction WhatsApp Group<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The group invitation is <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/chat.whatsapp.com\/HkilIzBtte2LwwoacINXlI\">HERE<\/a><\/strong>, everyone is welcome to bid, and the auction rules will be shared before bidding opens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">View all auction items <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/namibiaultratrails.com\/index.php\/2026-event-partners-and-auction-items\/\">HERE<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>2026 BBU Auction Environmental Conservation Causes<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.savetherhinotrust.org\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.savetherhinotrust.org\/\">Save the Rhino Trust Namibia<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ocnamibia.org\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.ocnamibia.org\/\">Ocean Conservation Namibia<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pangolincrf.org\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.pangolincrf.org\/\">The Pangolin Conservation and Research Foundation<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Routes<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There will be a <strong>Day Route<\/strong> and a <strong>Night Route<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Only Ultra runners will complete the Night Route.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Route information is available <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/namibiaultratrails.com\/index.php\/brandberg-backyard-ultra-routes\/\">HERE<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Race Village Resources<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Race Village is designed to keep runners comfortable throughout the event.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Available facilities include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Drinking water<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Electroboost<\/strong> electrolyte drink, kindly sponsored by <strong>Deopharma<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Hot water for your tea and soup<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Complimentary coffee by <strong>Two Beards Coffee Roastery<\/strong> (bring your own mug or purchase a BBU commemorative mug)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>First aid and emergency medical support<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Swimming pool (yes, Uis can still be hot in winter!)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Bathrooms and showers<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Please remember:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Bring the race nutrition you&#8217;ve trained with.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>There is <strong>no external electricity<\/strong> available.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Generators are not permitted.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Bring power banks, spare batteries and lighting for your own gazebo.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Race Village Setup<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Race Village is located in the eastern open area of Brandberg Rest Camp and includes the start\/finish corral, operations hub and runners&#8217; gazebos.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Please note:<\/strong> This is <strong>not<\/strong> the campsite. Sleeping tents may only be erected in the designated camping area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Please remember:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>All Ultra runners should set up a gazebo station (own or shared).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Gazebo spaces will be allocated by the organisers, with priority given to Ultra runners and those expected to run deep into the event.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Runners without gazebos are encouraged to share.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Branded gazebos are welcome, but no additional advertising banners may be displayed without prior approval.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>No tents are permitted in the Race Village.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Portable braais are welcome in safe designated areas. Please bring your own wood, as availability cannot be guaranteed.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Runner Responsibilities<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Each runner is responsible for bringing:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Sufficient race nutrition for the duration of their event<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Their own cup or bottle (no disposable cups will be provided)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Gazebo (or arrange to share one)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Chairs and table<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Crew (if applicable)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Lighting for their gazebo<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Power banks and spare batteries<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Ultra runners must also bring:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Reflective clothing<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Headlamp<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Spare batteries<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These items are compulsory and will be checked during registration and again before the first night loop. No runner will be permitted onto the Night Route without the required safety equipment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Rules<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Official Backyard Ultra rules apply and are available <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/namibiaultratrails.com\/index.php\/backyard-ultra-rules\/\">HERE<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Please familiarise yourself with them before race day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Important Reminder<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No assistance may be given to a runner once the cowbell has rung and the loop has started until the runner has completed the entire loop and crossed the finish line.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This includes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Running alongside a participant<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cycling or pacing<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Handing items to a runner<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Taking anything from a runner while they are on the course<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Failure to comply with these rules will result in disqualification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">One Final Reminder<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>No dogs are permitted<\/strong> on the trails, in the Race Village or anywhere at Brandberg Rest Camp\u2014no matter how small, friendly or well-behaved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We&#8217;re incredibly excited to welcome you to the <strong>5th Brandberg Backyard Ultra<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Travel safely, settle into your Race Village, enjoy everything the weekend has to offer, and most importantly&#8230;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Have an unforgettable BBU!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you have any questions before the event, please don&#8217;t hesitate to get in touch. We&#8217;ll do our very best to assist. If you have missed the previous newsletters, you can find them all <a href=\"https:\/\/namibiaultratrails.com\/\">HERE<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">See you soon!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>The Namibia Ultra Trails Team<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" id=\"block-b7f15187-6683-4a4b-80cf-7763bb52a35c\"><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\" id=\"block-885d1283-174f-411b-8b98-2ec6afd83436\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"417\" src=\"https:\/\/namibiaultratrails.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/RMB_Horizontal_Identity_RGB_white-1024x417.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1278\" style=\"width:340px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/namibiaultratrails.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/RMB_Horizontal_Identity_RGB_white-1024x417.png 1024w, https:\/\/namibiaultratrails.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/RMB_Horizontal_Identity_RGB_white-300x122.png 300w, https:\/\/namibiaultratrails.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/RMB_Horizontal_Identity_RGB_white-768x313.png 768w, https:\/\/namibiaultratrails.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/RMB_Horizontal_Identity_RGB_white-1536x626.png 1536w, https:\/\/namibiaultratrails.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/RMB_Horizontal_Identity_RGB_white-2048x834.png 2048w, https:\/\/namibiaultratrails.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/RMB_Horizontal_Identity_RGB_white-1140x464.png 1140w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Brandberg Backyard Ultra Presenting Partner<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" id=\"block-949a5420-2c56-4a96-afed-52b0b0ffe1df\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Welcome to the 5th Brandberg Backyard Ultra! We&#8217;re looking forward to welcoming you to Uis for another unforgettable weekend of running, friendship, conservation and plenty of backyard madness! Whether you&#8217;ve followed every newsletter or this is your first event update, please take a few minutes to read through this important information before travelling to Uis and Brandberg Rest Camp. Race Schedule The event takes place on Saturday, 18 July, at Brandberg Rest Camp, Uis. Friday, 17 July 16:00 \u2013 18:00 | Registration &amp; Race Pack Collection 15:00 onwards | Race Village Setup 18:00 \u2013 20:00 | Pre-Race Welcome Dinner 19:30 | Compulsory Race Briefing Saturday, 18 July 07:30 | Runners sign inUltra \u2022 Challenge \u2022 Fun Run 08:00 | Race StartUltra \u2022 Challenge \u2022 Fun Run Prize GivingImmediately after the final runner completes their last lap. Throughout the Day The Race Village will be buzzing with activities for runners, supporters and families, including: Turnaround Cheers Book your ticket early and catch a ride on the official Cowbell Cruiser\u2014the only permitted vehicle on the course\u2014to the Turnaround Cheers station. This stands to become one of the most festive parts of the BBU weekend, so come along, ring those cowbells and cheer every runner to another lap! Don&#8217;t forget to bring your: Event Auction Our annual silent auction returns in support of three incredible Namibian conservation organisations. The online auction opens on Monday, 20 July and will take place on the BBU Auction WhatsApp Group. The group invitation is HERE, everyone is welcome to bid, and the auction rules will be shared before bidding opens. View all auction items HERE. 2026 BBU Auction Environmental Conservation Causes Routes There will be a Day Route and a Night Route. Only Ultra runners will complete the Night Route. Route information is available HERE. Race Village Resources The Race Village is designed to keep runners comfortable throughout the event. Available facilities include: Please remember: Race Village Setup The Race Village is located in the eastern open area of Brandberg Rest Camp and includes the start\/finish corral, operations hub and runners&#8217; gazebos. Please note: This is not the campsite. Sleeping tents may only be erected in the designated camping area. Please remember: Runner Responsibilities Each runner is responsible for bringing: Ultra runners must also bring: These items are compulsory and will be checked during registration and again before the first night loop. No runner will be permitted onto the Night Route without the required safety equipment. Rules Official Backyard Ultra rules apply and are available HERE. Please familiarise yourself with them before race day. Important Reminder No assistance may be given to a runner once the cowbell has rung and the loop has started until the runner has completed the entire loop and crossed the finish line. This includes: Failure to comply with these rules will result in disqualification. One Final Reminder No dogs are permitted on the trails, in the Race Village or anywhere at Brandberg Rest Camp\u2014no matter how small, friendly or well-behaved. We&#8217;re incredibly excited to welcome you to the 5th Brandberg Backyard Ultra. Travel safely, settle into your Race Village, enjoy everything the weekend has to offer, and most importantly&#8230; Have an unforgettable BBU! If you have any questions before the event, please don&#8217;t hesitate to get in touch. We&#8217;ll do our very best to assist. If you have missed the previous newsletters, you can find them all HERE. See you soon! The Namibia Ultra Trails Team<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-701","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/namibiaultratrails.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/701","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/namibiaultratrails.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/namibiaultratrails.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/namibiaultratrails.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/namibiaultratrails.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=701"}],"version-history":[{"count":28,"href":"https:\/\/namibiaultratrails.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/701\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1700,"href":"https:\/\/namibiaultratrails.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/701\/revisions\/1700"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/namibiaultratrails.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=701"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}