Rules

Article 1.- INTRODUCTION

The PROVITAL Backyard Ultra – Gran Canaria is an event included in the international Backyard Ultra calendar and follows the original format created by Gary “Lazarus Lake” Cantrell.

The main format takes place on a 6.706 km loop. A new lap starts every hour, and each participant must complete the loop within the permitted time limit in order to remain in the competition.

Anyone who finishes before the next start may use the remaining time to rest, hydrate, eat and prepare for the next lap.

Example: if a participant completes a lap in 49 minutes, they will have 11 minutes before the next start.

In the Backyard Ultra format, there is no predetermined maximum number of laps. The competition continues in accordance with the rules set out in these regulations until a winner is determined.

Article 2.- ORGANISATION

The PROVITAL Backyard Ultra – Gran Canaria is organised by Club Deportivo Arkana Koalas Trail, which is responsible for the planning, coordination and delivery of the event.

The organisation will ensure compliance with these regulations and take all necessary measures to guarantee the proper and safe running of the event.

Article 3.- RACE MANAGEMENT

The event will have a Race Director, who will have the highest authority during the event, supported by the organisation and volunteer team.

All participants and their duly accredited assistants must follow the instructions of the Race Director and authorised event staff at all times.

Article 4.- COURSE DESCRIPTION

The PROVITAL Backyard Ultra – Gran Canaria will take place on a 6.706 km loop, in accordance with the official Backyard Ultra standard.

The location, course characteristics and official track will be published by the organisation through the event’s official channels.

Article 5.- PARTICIPATION FORMATS AND CATEGORIES

5.1. Main Format

PROVITAL Backyard Ultra – Gran Canaria – El Último/a Puntal

Participation formats:

Individual: Men and Women.
Pairs (Backyard Ultra only):
- Men’s Pair: two men.
- Women’s Pair: two women.
- Mixed Pair: one man and one woman.

The Individual and Pairs formats are separate competitions with their own rankings, although they share the same starting corral.

In the Pairs format, the valid lap total is the combined number of laps completed by both team members before they withdraw. Team members are not required to run together.

5.2. Additional Formats

In addition to the main Backyard Ultra format, the event includes additional formats that allow participants to experience the essence of Backyard at different distances and levels of participation:

Challenge (7 laps)
- 7 laps of the course (approx. 46.9 km).
- Individual format: Men and Women.
Fun Run (4 laps)
- 4 laps of the course (approx. 26.8 km).
- Individual format: Men and Women.
Inclusive Race – Open to people with disabilities.

At the PROVITAL Backyard Ultra – Gran Canaria, we believe in sport as a tool for inclusion. For this reason, the event includes an Inclusive Race, designed for people with disabilities in an accessible and safe environment.

This format is intended for:

People with reduced mobility or prostheses.
Runners with intellectual or psychosocial disabilities.
Participants accompanied using a joëlette or other specific forms of support.
Assistance: technical or human support is permitted, including joëlettes and other adapted equipment.

Article 6.- ACCEPTANCE OF THE REGULATIONS

Registration and participation in the PROVITAL Backyard Ultra – Gran Canaria imply full knowledge and acceptance of these regulations, as well as a commitment to follow the instructions of the organisation, Race Director, medical staff and relevant authorities.

Each participant declares that they are in suitable physical condition and health to take part in their chosen event. It is each participant’s responsibility to assess their own fitness and, when considered necessary, undergo the appropriate medical examinations or health checks, as well as to understand the risks inherent in sporting activity and the characteristics of the event.

The organisation reserves the right to amend these regulations and the event programme, either wholly or partially, when circumstances require, notifying participants of any changes through the event’s official channels.

Any situation not covered by these regulations will be resolved by the organisation according to the principles of safety, sporting fairness and the proper running of the event.

Article 7.- BACKYARD RACE DESCRIPTION AND RULES

The following rules apply to all event formats unless a specific rule is expressly established for a particular format.

7.1. Starts and Laps

Each lap will start exactly every 60 minutes.
Audible warnings will be given 3, 2 and 1 minute before each start.
The start of each lap will be signalled by the ringing of the bell.
To remain in the competition, each participant must be inside the starting corral when the bell rings.
Late starts are not permitted.
Each lap must be completed within the 60-minute time limit.

7.2. Rules During Each Lap

Participants may not leave the course during a lap, except for toilet needs.
External assistance or accompaniment on the course is not permitted.
The use of trekking poles is prohibited.
Participants must allow others to pass when necessary.

7.3. Use of Headphones

Only bone-conduction headphones are permitted. Any device that causes acoustic isolation from the surrounding environment is prohibited.

Headphones may not be used in the starting corral, base camp or during announcements from the organisation.

7.4. Aid Stations

From the first lap: liquid refreshments (water).
From the third lap onwards: solid food.

The organisation may expand or adapt the refreshments provided according to the needs and circumstances of the event.

Article 8.- ASSISTANCE

Personal assistance is permitted only in the BACKYARD ULTRA and CHALLENGE, from the 5th lap onwards, and exclusively within the base camp, once each lap has been completed.

In the FUN RUN, personal assistance is not permitted, except for assistance provided by the organisation.

8.1. Base Camp

Each BACKYARD ULTRA and CHALLENGE participant may have one accredited assistant within the base camp.

The assistant may be replaced by another person, provided that the replacement is also duly accredited by the organisation.

Access to the base camp will be restricted to participants and accredited assistants. The organisation may refuse access to any unauthorised person.

Assistance on the course is prohibited in all circumstances.

8.2. Insurance for Assistants

Accredited assistants may voluntarily, and upon payment of the corresponding fee, take out the insurance coverage provided by the organisation.

Those who choose not to take out this coverage assume the risks inherent in their participation as assistants, without prejudice to any liability that may apply under the law.

8.3. Inclusive Race

The Inclusive Race will be governed by the specific conditions established for that format.

Article 9.- SEMI-SELF-SUFFICIENCY

The Backyard Ultra and Backyard Challenge will be conducted on a semi-self-sufficient basis.

Each participant may keep their own food, drinks and equipment required for the event within the base camp.

The organisation will provide the general aid station supplies established in these regulations.

9.1. Personal Area

The organisation will provide participants with a table and chair, or equivalent equipment, within the base camp.

Each participant will have an area for their personal equipment. The layout and dimensions of these areas will be determined by the organisation according to the characteristics of the venue.

Participants may use their own equipment, such as a chair, mat, small table, bag or container, as well as other items previously authorised by the organisation.

All equipment must remain within the assigned area and must not obstruct access routes or encroach on another participant’s space.

Specific conditions for the base camp will be detailed in the Runner’s Guide.

Article 10.- MANDATORY EQUIPMENT

Each participant must carry the mandatory equipment established by the organisation, which may be checked at any time.

The organisation may modify or add to the mandatory equipment when weather or safety conditions require it, provided that participants are informed in advance.

10.1. Mandatory Equipment

Appropriate footwear and clothing for the characteristics of the event and weather conditions.
Emergency thermal blanket.
Headlamp and red rear light during night laps.
Race bib clearly visible throughout the course.
Reusable cup, drinking container and personal cutlery.

Failure to carry the mandatory equipment may prevent a participant from starting a lap or may result in disqualification.

10.2. Recommended Equipment

Participants are advised to have:

A mobile phone, particularly during night laps.
Spare clothing and appropriate garments for cold, rain, wind or heat.
Sleeping mat, sleeping bag or blanket.
Cooler, bag or container for food.

Article 11.- WINNER AND SPECIAL RECOGNITIONS

The PROVITAL Backyard Ultra – Gran Canaria will have one overall winner only, regardless of gender, in accordance with the Backyard Ultra format.

11.1. The Last Puntal

The Last Puntal will be the last person to successfully complete a valid lap alone, once all other participants have withdrawn or are unable to start another lap.

If that lap is not completed within the permitted time limit, the race will end without a winner.

The winner will receive The Last Puntal trophy and the Camisola de Brega, an exclusive distinction reserved for the overall winner of the Backyard Ultra.

11.2. Assist

The last eliminated participant who has completed one lap fewer than the winner will be recognised as the Assist, in accordance with the Backyard Ultra format.

11.3. Espíritu de Brega

The organisation will award the Espíritu de Brega recognition to the participant of the opposite gender to the overall winner who has completed the highest number of laps.

This recognition does not constitute a competitive category and does not confer Backyard Ultra winner status, which belongs exclusively to the single overall winner in accordance with the format rules.

The person receiving the Espíritu de Brega recognition will receive the corresponding trophy. This recognition does not include the Camisola de Brega, which is reserved exclusively for The Last Puntal.

Article 12.- AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS

Category awards are sporting recognitions and do not alter the fact that the PROVITAL Backyard Ultra – Gran Canaria has only one overall winner.

12.1. BACKYARD ULTRA – Individual

In addition to the recognitions established in Article 11, awards will be presented to the three participants with the highest number of completed laps in each of the following categories:

Men under 50.
Men 50 and over.
Women under 50.
Women 50 and over.

In the event of a tie in the number of laps, the higher position will be awarded to the participant who completed their last valid lap in the shortest time.

The Last Puntal, the participant recognised as the Assist, and the recipient of the Espíritu de Brega recognition will not also receive a category award. In such cases, the corresponding award will pass to the next eligible participant in the ranking.

12.2. BACKYARD ULTRA – Pairs

Awards will be presented to the top three teams in each category:

Men.
Women.
Mixed.

The ranking will be determined by the combined total number of laps completed by both members of the pair.

12.3. 100 MILE CLUB

Backyard Ultra participants who complete at least 24 laps (100 miles) will receive a certificate and/or medal recognising their membership of the 100 Mile Club.

The participant who earns Assist status will also receive a specific Assist certificate.

These certificates are presented as recognitions and are not classification trophies.

12.4. CHALLENGE

To be eligible for a ranking and award, participants must complete all 7 required laps within the established time limits.

Awards will be presented to the top three participants in each category:

Men under 50.
Men 50 and over.
Women under 50.
Women 50 and over.

The ranking will be determined by the lowest total accumulated time across all 7 laps, with the participant recording the lowest overall time taking first place.

12.5. FUN RUN

To be eligible for a ranking and award, participants must complete all 4 required laps within the established time limits.

Awards will be presented to the top three participants in each category:

Men under 50.
Men 50 and over.
Women under 50.
Women 50 and over.

The ranking will be determined by the lowest total accumulated time across all 4 laps, with the participant recording the lowest overall time taking first place.

12.6. INCLUSIVE

The Inclusive format will have no maximum number of laps. Each participant may complete as many laps as they wish, according to their abilities and individual circumstances.

It will be non-competitive, with no ranking based on position or time.

Accompaniment and the use of support or adaptive equipment previously authorised by the organisation will be permitted.

All participants will receive a recognition for taking part, with no competitive ranking.

12.7. AWARDS AND RECOGNITION CEREMONY

Trophies, certificates and recognitions will be presented during the official awards ceremony.

The organisation will announce the corresponding schedule and may modify it if circumstances during the event require it.

Article 13.- SCHEDULE

As a new feature of this edition, all formats —Ultra, Challenge, Fun Run and Inclusive— will start together on 15 May 2027 at 09:00.

From that moment onwards, each format will continue in accordance with the specific conditions and number of laps established for it in these regulations.

Any schedule changes for organisational or safety reasons will be duly communicated through the event’s official channels.

Article 14.- REGISTRATION CONDITIONS

The following participants may take part:

Adults, with or without a federation licence.
Minors aged 16 and over may participate exclusively in the Backyard Challenge (7 laps) and Backyard Fun Run (4 laps), provided they have the express authorisation of their parent or legal guardian.

Registration will be completed online through the platform designated by the organisation, and the relevant link will be published on the event website and official channels.

14.1. Pairs Participation

To compete as a pair in the Backyard Ultra, both team members must be correctly registered and the pair must be entered in the corresponding category: Men, Women or Mixed.

The procedure for registering the pair will be established on the official registration platform.

14.2. Registration Fees and Periods

Registration fees and registration periods will be published on the event website and official registration platform.

The organisation may establish different registration phases, promotions or price variations, which will be communicated through the official channels.

Article 15.- REGISTRATION ENTITLEMENTS

Registration includes:

Accident insurance during the days on which the event takes place.
Administration fees.
Commemorative event garment.
Commemorative gift for participants who complete at least one lap within the permitted time limit.
Live tracking and results, when the service is available.
Official event photographs.
Live broadcast, when available.
Reserved space in the base camp for Backyard Ultra and Backyard Challenge participants.
Backyard Fun Run participants will have access to a bag-drop service and, where space permits, a specific area provided by the organisation.
Liquid refreshments from the first lap and solid food from the third lap onwards.
Medical assistance during the event.
In the Backyard Ultra, food service will be provided for as long as the participant remains in the competition.

The specific characteristics, schedules and conditions of the services will be detailed, where applicable, in the Runner’s Guide.

Article 16.- CANCELLATION POLICY AND REFUND INSURANCE

16.1. Cancellations

Cancellations requested by the participant will be eligible for the following refunds:

Until 31 January: 75%.
From 1 February to 15 March: 50%.
From 16 March to 15 April: 25%.
From 16 April onwards: no refund will be provided.

Exceptionally, the organisation may consider duly justified circumstances involving a serious medical condition affecting the participant or an immediate family member, as well as other circumstances supported by official documentation.

16.2. Change of Race Format

Changes between the Backyard Ultra, Backyard Challenge and Backyard Fun Run will be permitted until 10 May, subject to availability.

If the change is to a higher-priced race format, the participant must pay the difference.

If the change is to a lower-priced race format, the difference will only be refunded when the change is requested by 1 April.

16.3. Transfer of Registration

Race bibs are personal and non-transferable, and participating using another person’s race bib is strictly prohibited.

A transfer of registration to another participant may be requested up to 15 days before the event.

The organisation cannot guarantee the availability of the same gifts or items associated with the original registration when a transfer takes place.

16.4. Requests

Requests for cancellation, change of race format or transfer of registration must be submitted in writing to:

grancanariabackyard@gmail.com

16.5. Refund Insurance

Participants may optionally purchase refund insurance.

This insurance will cover the refund of the registration fee, excluding the cost of the insurance itself, in the event of postponement or cancellation of the event due to circumstances beyond the organisation’s control.

Any additional services purchased during registration will be subject to the refund conditions and deadlines established by the organisation.

Article 17.- SUSPENSION OR CANCELLATION OF THE EVENT

The organisation, through the Race Director, may suspend, cancel, shorten, modify, neutralise or stop the event due to force majeure, instructions from the authorities, adverse weather conditions or any other circumstance that may affect the safety or proper running of the event.

In the event of suspension or cancellation, refunds will be processed in accordance with the terms of the refund insurance, where this has been purchased.

The organisation will not be responsible for travel, accommodation or any other external costs incurred in connection with participation in the event.

Article 18.- RACE BIB COLLECTION

Race bibs and, where applicable, the runner’s bag must be collected on the dates, at the times and at the location determined by the organisation, which will be communicated in advance through the official channels and the Runner’s Guide.

The runner’s bag must be collected within the established collection period. Once this period has ended, participants will lose the right to claim it at a later date.

18.1. Complimentary Entries (Free Race Bibs)

Complimentary entries (free race bibs) granted by the organisation are intended for actual participation in the event. On the designated race bib collection days, these participants will receive only their race bib.

The runner’s bag will be provided once the required number of laps has been completed:

Backyard Ultra: upon completing the 7th lap.
Backyard Challenge: upon completing the 7th and final lap.
Backyard Fun Run: upon completing the 4th and final lap.

Participants who do not start the event or do not complete the required number of laps will not be entitled to receive the runner’s bag.

Article 19.- SAFETY RULES AND GENERAL CONDUCT

Participants must be aware of the nature and demands of the event, as well as the physical and weather conditions that may arise during the race.

Participants must:

Follow the course established by the organisation. Taking shortcuts, leaving the designated course or failing to pass through established checkpoints may result in disqualification.
Assist any participant who is in danger or has been involved in an accident and immediately notify the organisation or emergency services.
Follow the instructions of the Race Director, medical staff, event organisation and safety personnel.
Behave in a sporting and respectful manner towards participants, assistants, volunteers, organisers, spectators, facilities and the surrounding environment.
Accept withdrawal from the event when required by medical staff or the Race Director for safety reasons.

The organisation may penalise or disqualify any conduct that compromises safety, the proper running of the event or respect for others.

In order to preserve the exclusively sporting nature of the event, the race, its facilities, official areas or organised activities may not be used to carry out political or party-political propaganda unrelated to the event.

Article 20.- ACCIDENT INSURANCE

All properly registered participants will be covered by the accident insurance taken out by the organisation during the event, in accordance with the terms of the policy and applicable regulations.

The following will not be covered:

Anyone participating without being properly registered.
Anyone using a transferred, altered or another person’s race bib.
Anyone who is outside the official course for reasons unrelated to the event.

Article 21.- LIABILITY

Participants declare that they are taking part voluntarily, that they understand the nature and inherent risks of the event, and that they accept the risks arising from their participation.

The organisation will not be liable for damages resulting from:

Recklessness, negligence or failure to comply with these regulations by the participant.
Pre-existing medical conditions, injuries or physical conditions.
Incidents occurring while travelling to or from the event venue.

All of the above applies without prejudice to any liability that may legally fall upon the organisation.

Article 22.- RESPECT FOR THE ENVIRONMENT

It is strictly prohibited to discard any type of waste along the course. Participants must keep all waste with them until it can be disposed of in the designated areas provided by the organisation.

Participants must remain on the marked course and must not leave designated trails or tracks or take shortcuts.

Aid stations will not provide disposable tableware. Each participant must use their own reusable cup, drinking container and cutlery.

Serious breaches of the environmental rules, particularly littering, may result in disqualification.

Article 23.- IMAGE RIGHTS

Participation in the event implies authorisation for the capture and use of photographs, video footage and other recordings taken during the event in which participants may appear.

These images and recordings may be used by the organisation for information, publicity, archival and promotional purposes through websites, social media, media outlets and audiovisual or promotional materials, without entitlement to financial compensation.

The organisation may provide such material to media outlets, sponsors and partners for purposes directly related to the publicity and promotion of the event, in accordance with applicable legislation.

In the case of participants under 18 years of age, authorisation for the capture and use of their image must be expressly granted by their parent or legal guardian during the registration process.

Article 24.- PERSONAL DATA PROTECTION

Personal data provided during registration will be processed by the organising entity in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2016/679 (GDPR) and Spanish Organic Law 3/2018 on Personal Data Protection and Guarantee of Digital Rights.

The data will be used for the management of registration and participation in the event, communications relating to the race, safety, preparation and publication of results and rankings, as well as compliance with the corresponding legal obligations.

For the purposes of race management and publication of results, information such as first name and surname, category, ranking and number of completed laps may be made public.

Participants may exercise their rights under data protection legislation by submitting a request to:

grancanariabackyard@gmail.com

The processing of photographs, video footage and other recordings will be governed by the provisions of Article 23 of these regulations.

Article 25.- PUBLIC LIABILITY INSURANCE

The organisation will have public liability insurance in place during the event, in accordance with the terms and coverage established in the insurance policy.

PROVITAL Backyard Ultra – Gran Canaria
15 May 2027

THE LAST PUNTAL