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Backyard plans are coming to Campus

Set your number of loops, benefit from your coach's advice, and follow a plan tailored to your ambitions. Whether you're discovering the format or aiming for a bigger challenge, prepare for your Backyard your way.

Publié le Nov 9, 2026

backyard goal selection campus coach app

Campus now offers a personalized training plan to prepare for a Backyard ultra. You choose the number of loops you're aiming for, with your coach's input, then your plan adapts in real time to your daily life and aspirations.

Whether you want to discover this format or take on a bigger challenge, Campus helps you prepare for your Backyard your way.

So, if this challenge appeals to you, if you've seen runners take on the challenge and thought : "I want to experience that too!", welcome to Campus!

Prepare for your Backyard with a plan tailored to your ambitions

A Backyard is a 6.706 km (4.167 miles) loop to be completed in under an hour, before starting again at the beginning of the next hour. A demanding format that requires the right preparation. The last runner to complete a full lap alone wins, and everyone else is classified DNF (Did Not Finish).

👉 Want to better understand the specifics of this race? Find our tips in our article on how the Backyard format works.

Define your goal with your coach's input: how many loops should you aim for in your next Backyard ultra?

How many loops should you aim for in your next Backyard? Your Campus coach recommends a goal based on your profile and your preparation.

You keep the final say: the idea is to set a challenge that matches your abilities and your wishes, not to push you to always go farther.

backyard goal target and recommended laps campus coach app

How do you train for a Backyard? Going the distance

With your Backyard plan, your runs gradually get longer to prepare you for the demands of your race.

You build your ability to go the distance and approach race day with reference points.

backyard goal long run duration progression chart campus coach app

backyard goal session instructions campus coach app

What if things don't go as planned during the plan? Adjust your goal during preparation

Are your ambitions changing over the weeks? You can change the number of loops you want to aim for during your preparation.

Your plan automatically adjusts to this new goal to keep supporting you in your training.

ongoing backyard goal stats campus coach app

Your challenge, your limits, your Backyard

Whether you want to discover the format over a few loops or take on a bigger challenge, there isn't just one goal that matters.

The right goal is the one that makes you want to push yourself while respecting your abilities.

With Campus, get ready to experience your Backyard your way.

How do you prepare for a Backyard on Campus?

Backyard races are not yet available as such in the race calendar. To get started with your preparation, you'll therefore need to add your race manually in the app.

After the race, your result will be visible in your past goals. It will, however, not be taken into account when calculating your level.

Backyard plans are available with Training and PRO subscriptions.

What if you simulated your Backyard ultra race?

How many kilometers and hours does your goal represent? Try it with our Backyard plan calculator to picture yourself on race day.

Ready to prepare for your next challenge? 🏁

FAQ

What is a Backyard Ultra?

A Backyard Ultra is an endurance race where you have to complete a 6.706 km course in under an hour. All runners start again together at the beginning of each hour. The race continues until only one runner is left, who must complete one last lap alone to win. Everyone else is classified DNF (Did Not Finish).

What happens if I don't finish a loop in under an hour?

If you don't finish your loop before the start of the next hour, or if you're not on the line when the whistle blows, you're eliminated. The time you save by finishing your loop before the next hour is used to recover, eat, and get ready for the next lap.

How long does it take to prepare for a Backyard Ultra?

It depends on your experience and the number of loops you're aiming for. For a modest goal, a few weeks are often enough if you already run regularly. For an ambitious goal, allow several months. On Campus, your plan is built from your race date and your loop goal, so your runs gradually get longer.

What level do you need to get started on a Backyard?

You don't need to be an experienced ultra-trail runner. A 6.706 km loop in an hour works out to an average pace of about 6.7 km/h, achievable by running comfortably and walking at times. The difficulty lies in repeating the loops. That's why you need a goal suited to your profile and preparation focused on endurance.

How many loops should you aim for in a first Backyard?

There is no single universal number. For a first one, many runners choose a goal that matches a distance they already know: 6 loops for a little over a half-marathon, 7 to go beyond the Marathon. On Campus, your coach advises a number of loops based on your profile and your preparation. You make the final choice.

How many kilometers per week to prepare for a Backyard?

Your volume depends on your starting level and your loop goal. Aiming for 5 loops doesn't require the same preparation as aiming for 24. Rather than following a fixed number, your Campus plan gradually increases your volume and the duration of your long runs, taking your training history into account.

Can you change your loop goal during preparation?

Yes. If your ambitions change over the weeks, you can change the number of loops you're aiming for at any time in the app. Your training plan automatically adjusts to this new goal.

How do I add a Backyard race in the Campus app?

Backyard races aren't yet offered in the Campus race calendar. To start your preparation, add your race manually in the app, then enter your race date and the number of loops you're aiming for.