Cretan Backyard Ultra
Greece's original backyard ultra pairs a playful village-and-trail day yard with a smoother night loop and a communal base in rural Crete near Heraklion.
Quick facts
- Greece's first established backyard ultra
- Distinct trail-oriented day yard and smoother night loop
- Tent village, electronic timing and heated indoor recovery space
- Central village setting near Heraklion
Is registration open for the 2027 Cretan Backyard Ultra?
Registration for the 2027 Cretan Backyard Ultra is open.
About the Cretan Backyard Ultra
Cretan Backyard Ultra brings the hourly last-person-standing format to the traditional village of Voritsi near Heraklion. Runners complete 6.706 km each hour until only one athlete can finish a final loop alone.
The race combines a close village atmosphere with serious endurance infrastructure, including electronic timing, a tent village, warm indoor recovery space and an always-available central aid station. Separate day and night yards change the rhythm as the event moves through darkness.
Course
The 6.706 km daytime yard uses more natural trail, gentle grade changes and frequent turns. At night, runners switch to a smoother, more rhythmic loop before returning to the day course after sunrise.
Race-day weather
January in inland Crete is cool and changeable, with rain and wind possible despite the island's mild reputation. Nights in the semi-mountainous village can feel cold between yards.
Past Cretan Backyard Ultra dates and results
| Year | Date | Status | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 | Saturday, January 16, 2027 | Upcoming | — |
| 2026 | Saturday, January 17, 2026 | Completed | Open results |
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Cretan Backyard Ultra FAQ
When is the Cretan Backyard Ultra?
The 2027 Cretan Backyard Ultra is on Saturday, January 16, 2027.
Is registration open for the 2027 Cretan Backyard Ultra?
Registration for the 2027 Cretan Backyard Ultra is open. View the official registration details at ideanroutes.gr.
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