Alexandra Airport Carousel Backyard Ultra
9:00am - 11th April 2026
Redefine your limits at the Carousel Backyard Ultra, the ultimate test of endurance, resilience and mental grit.
Entries Open In
Are you ready to face the ultimate endurance challenge?
Early Bird Pricing
- 125
- *Priority Tent Spot close to the corral
- 11th November to 7th December
Standard Pricing
- 150
- General Admission Tent Spot
- 8th December to 14th March
Late Pricing
- 200
- General Admission Tent Spot
- 15th March to 10th April
- *The first 40 paid entries get a Priority Tent Spot close to the corral. Each bay fits a 3x3m tent
- General Admission tenting are behind the priority tent spots. Want to guarantee a spot close to the action, commit early and enjoy a relaxing start on race day!
- We're bring back the Communal marquee. If you’re not setting up a tent, BYO chair and use our shared space. First come, first served.
How it works
6.71KM EVERY HOUR
On the hour, every hour. Complete the loop and return to the corral before the next bell.
WHEN THE Bell rings, you run
Be in the start corral when the bell sounds. Miss it and you’re done.
Last one standing wins
Fail to start or finish within the hour? DNF. Only one finisher possible.
Take What you Need
After the bell, no support on course. Carry everything until you’re back in the corral.
THE COURSE
A simple loop, easy to follow but hard to stop. 6.71 km and 50m of vert, made up of hardpacked MTB single tracks, 4WD tracks, and a touch of pine forest.
Lap the Alexandra Airport with spectacular views of the surrounding mountains to take your mind off the challenge!
This is a self-supported event and you will need to provide your own gazebo, chair, food and water.
The Alexandra township is less than a 5 minute drive away for restocking of supplies and plenty of accommodation options before and after the event. There is full reception at base and out on the course so you can keep your followers and supporters updated at all times!
Alexandra is only one hour’s drive from Queenstown airport.
Location: 166 Coates Road, Alexandra, Central Otago NZ
Do it for you and do it for them
The BYU isn’t just for the ultra running elites. Everyone who steps up to the start line is doing it to challenge themselves, whether for 1 lap or 100. Everyone has a reason, are you aiming for your first half marathon, full marathon or wanting the holy grail of 24 hours?
What ever your goals are, we’re proud to organise such an event that can empower people to really find their limit. Where you choose to push to your physical and mental limits in a safe and encouraging environment.
Not everyone gets that choice so a portion of your entry fee goes towards I Am Hope and Bowel Cancer New Zealand charities. Your effort helps youth mental health and bowel cancer patients get the support they need.
Meet the Race Directors
Hannah Presswood
An Accredited Sports Nutritionist who’s raced (and won!) 100km ultras and a BYU PB of 27 laps! Through Real Health Sports Nutrition, Hannah helps runners keep fueling simple and effective. She’s built a practical BYU nutrition toolkit based on what actually works when the laps get long.
BACKYARD ULTRA NUTRITION
Hannah offers the only race tested BYU specific nutrition planning toolkit in New Zealand. Based on first-hand experience, don’t let nutrition be the reason you stop lapping!
Tom
Heath
Tom’s just as happy running a 5km Parkrun as an ultra-marathon. It’s not about the distance, time or terrain, it’s about the friends who push you further, faster and the adventures along the way. He gets as much enjoyment hosting a BYU, as taking part in them and to see people push beyond what they thought was possible, is an incredible feeling.
Thymed Events NZ
Tom is founder of Thymed Events NZ, a new player to the sports events industry but already established the sold out Clyde Classic Half Marathon and lots of exciting new events planned to test your while having .
We’re proud to welcome Kinisi Running as the Official Running Store Partner of the Carousel BYU!
Based in Wanaka, the Kinisi crew are passionate runners who know what it takes to get you race ready.
From shoes to apparel to race day essentials, they’ll help you find the gear that fits your run. On event day, you’ll also spot them on site and a line-up of spot prizes.