A new ultra running challenge is heading to County Durham in 2026, with runners invited to take on the demanding Turbine Backyard Ultra this autumn. The event will take place on 19 September at West Shields Farm near Satley and will be organised by Greener Miles Running.

The race follows the well known Backyard Ultra format, where competitors must complete a 4.1 mile loop every hour on the hour until only one runner remains. At the start of each hour a bell signals the beginning of the next lap. Runners must be in the starting area before the bell sounds or they are eliminated from the event and recorded as a DNF. The process continues throughout the day and night until a single runner is left standing and crowned the champion.

The Turbine Backyard Ultra will also see the return of a popular team element that proved a big success in 2025. Teams of five runners can enter together and combine their completed loops to compete for the team title. Individual performances will still count towards the overall standings, while team results will only continue to accumulate while at least two members of the team remain in the race.

The new 2026 course features a varied 6K loop through private land around West Shields Farm. Runners will encounter a mixture of farmland, woodland trails and single track paths, along with around 400 feet of elevation gain on each lap. Organisers say the route is challenging but still achievable within the one hour time limit, placing a strong emphasis on pacing and strategy.

All runners will receive an event memento and free camping will be available for competitors and their support crews throughout the race. Spectators and supporters will also be well catered for with The Bramble and Oak Coffee Box on site throughout the event, serving hot and cold drinks, soup, snacks and cakes.

If you'd like to know more, visit the Greener Miles Running website.

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