Backyard ultra format
Complete format guide: rules, gear and strategy
Your checklist for Backyard Costa Brava
What you need, category by category, with our #1 pick for this race. Tick what you already have.
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Swipe to see all 7 categories
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GPS watch
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)Garmin Instinct 3 AMOLED 45 mm
Onboard topo maps, unlike the Instinct 3 Solar
Downside: Shorter battery life than the Instinct 3 Solar (no solar charging or MIP display)
Gear
Trail shoes with grip suited to the terrain
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)Nike Ultrafly
ZoomX foam: exceptional energy return inherited from the Vaporfly
Downside: High price (190 EUR)
Nutrition
One gel or carbohydrate source every 40-45 minutes on long efforts
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)Maurten Gel 100
Hydrogel technology: excellent gastric tolerance
Downside: High price compared to other gels
Sun Protection
SPF50 sweat-resistant sunscreen
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)ISDIN Fusion Water Sunscreen SPF 50+
Ultralight texture, feels invisible on skin
Downside: Small format (50 ml), may run short on ultras
Body Care
Anti-chafe balm on underarms, thighs and feet
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)Julbo Aerospeed
Photochromic lenses: adapt from forest to summits
Downside: Higher price compared to non-photochromic glasses
Car Rental
Book ahead if you travel at the weekend
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)DRIVALIA CarCloud Country Plus
Trip logistics
Registration, travel and insurance: what you should have sorted before race day.
Affiliate links: if you buy, we earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Race data
Terrain
Trail
Difficulty
Elite
Distance
1 modalities
Backyard loop 6.7 km
- Distance
- 6.7 km
- Elevation Gain
- D+ 0m
- Max Time
- -
| Modality | Distance | Elevation Gain | Max Time | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Backyard loop 6.7 km | 6.7 km | D+ 0m | - | - |
Will your watch battery last the ~1 h of Backyard Costa Brava?Worked out for the longest course (6.7 km). See which watches reach the finish with GPS on and which die on the way.Check my watch Check my watchSeasonal kit
Rain and mud at Backyard Costa Brava: pack this kit
Grippy shoes, rain jacket, gaiters and blister protection for a wet race.
See the full kit : Rain and Mud Trail Running Kit 2026: What to Bring to a Wet RaceGear up for Backyard Costa Brava
Buying guides with the best value for money, picked for this kind of terrain.
Swipe to see all 4 comparisons
Historical weather
What to wear at 15 °C: guide and kit →
Typical weather for the race date (10-year average)
Temperature
15°C – 21°C
Average 18°C
Rain
33%
3.3 mm avg
Wind
19 km/h
max. average
Sunshine hours
9h
daily average
Gear recommendations
Bring a waterproof jacket (33% chance of rain)
Asics
Asics Gel-Trabuco 14 GTX
A best-selling beginner trail shoe: GEL cushioning, good stability and a waterproof GORE-TEX membrane. Versatile and reliable for training on mixed terrain in any weather.
Berghaus
Berghaus Paclite 2.0 GTX
Waterproof jacket with a Gore-Tex Paclite membrane (around 330 g). Fully waterproof with taped seams, fixed adjustable hood, storm flap behind the zip and cuff adjustment. Packs down small in a vest. Heavier than a pure running hardshell, but it meets the waterproof-breathable membrane requirement in race rules and is the affordable route into Gore-Tex.
Brooks
Brooks Cascadia 20 GTX
The Cascadia 20 with a GORE-TEX membrane: stability and protection for rocky mountain terrain, keeping the foot dry on cold, rainy days.
Gore Wear
Gore Wear C5 GORE-TEX Glove
Glove with a fully waterproof, windproof GORE-TEX membrane and light insulation. The pick for running in snow, sleet or heavy rain while keeping your hand dry.
Gore Wear
Gore Wear M GORE-TEX Thermo Glove
Warmer variant of the Gore Wear C5 GORE-TEX: the same fully waterproof, windproof membrane, with extra thermal lining for intense cold on top of snow or rain. The pick when the problem isn't just water, but water AND hard cold at once.
Gore Wear
Gore Wear R7 GTX Shakedry
Ultralight Gore-Tex Shakedry waterproof jacket (110 g). Full waterproofing without an inner membrane, highly breathable. The benchmark for mountain runners.
Nike
Nike Pegasus Trail 5 GORE-TEX
The best-selling gateway trail shoe: comfortable, cushioned and versatile for moving from road to trail. Waterproof GORE-TEX version, perfect for beginners and easy runs on mixed terrain.
Salomon
Salomon Bonatti Pro Waterproof Glove
Lightweight waterproof glove built for running, not just standing still in the snow: a waterproof membrane with more dexterity and less bulk than a thick membrane glove, for sustained rain without giving up handling gels or poles.
Salomon
Salomon Bonatti WP
Ultralight waterproof windproof jacket (135 g). Taped seams, adjustable hood and back ventilation. Packs into its own pocket.
Salomon
Salomon Speedcross 6 GTX
The Speedcross 6 with a GORE-TEX membrane: the same aggressive 5 mm lugs for mud and soft ground, now waterproof for winter, rain and snow.
Sealskinz
Sealskinz Waterproof Lightweight Glove
Lightweight waterproof glove from a brand that specializes in outdoor sport waterproofing. A solid middle ground between a thin windproof glove and a thick membrane glove: genuinely waterproof without the bulk or price of the Gore C5.
Shokz
Shokz OpenRun
Open-ear bone conduction headphones with IP67 rating: they take rain, mud and a rinse under the tap. Up to 8 h of battery and quick charge (10 min for 1.5 h). The most rugged pick of the range for training in bad weather.
TRIWONDER
TRIWONDER Waterproof Trail Gaiters
Waterproof, breathable low gaiters for trail running, hiking and mountain use. Under-shoe strap and adjustable elastic band. A budget-friendly alternative to premium technical brand gaiters.
Sun protection essential (9h sunshine, up to 21°C)
Forecast for 17 October
Weather forecast from Open-Meteo (may change until race day)
Backyard Costa Brava
Backyard Costa Brava takes place on Saturday 17 October 2026 in Palamós (Girona). It is organised by Backyard Costa Brava.
Online registration was handled on RockTheSport and closed on 9 October 2026; ask the organisers whether bibs remain.
The backyard format is simple and cruel: on the hour, every hour, a 6.7 km lap starts. Anyone who fails to finish in time, or does not start, is out; spare time is for eating and resting. The winner is the last runner to complete a lap alone.
Options
- Backyard loop 6.7 km
Elevation gain appears only for the options where the organisers have published it.
Start and schedule
The main start is scheduled for 9:00 according to the registration page; always confirm the start time of each option on the organisers’ website.
October in Girona
On the Mediterranean side autumn is usually mild and dry, with strong midday sun and abrasive, rocky limestone ground. Hydration, sun protection and a shoe with a solid rock plate are key.
Palamós beyond the race
Use the trip to discover Girona and its local food. For more races nearby, see the races in the region and plan your season in the race planner.
360Complete Pack
Backyard Costa Brava 2026 registration
RegistrationRegistration through RockTheSport from 1 June 2026 to 9 October 2026. Fees 40 EUR.
Tips
- •Registration closes on 9 October 2026
- •Check the rules and minimum age for each option on the organisers' website
- •Keep your confirmation: you will need it to collect your bib
Where to stay for Backyard Costa Brava
AccommodationPalamós (Girona) is the start location. Girona is the reference city with the widest choice of accommodation.
Tips
- •Book ahead if the race falls on a weekend
- •Girona has the largest hotel offer
- •Ask the organisers about runner discounts at local lodgings
Gear for Backyard Costa Brava
GearOn the Mediterranean side autumn is usually mild and dry, with strong midday sun and abrasive, rocky limestone ground. Hydration, sun protection and a shoe with a solid rock plate are key.
Tips
- •Trail shoes with grip suited to the terrain
- •Hydration at hand: soft flasks or a vest depending on distance
- •A light windproof in your pack or belt
Which shoes for Backyard Costa Brava?
Which footwear fits based on the race's terrain and weather
Which GPS watch for Backyard Costa Brava?
Which watch has the battery to last based on your estimated finish time
Best Neck Gaiter (Buff) for Trail Running 2026: Comparison & Buying Guide
Comparison of the best neck gaiters for trail running in 2026: Buff Original, Midweight, Windproof, DryFlx, CoolNet UV+, Thermonet, HANKER and Salomon Merino. Which to pick based on sun, wind, cold or budget.
Best Thermal Base Layer for Trail Running 2026: Comparison & Buying Guide
The best thermal base layers for trail running in 2026: Odlo Active Warm Eco, Icebreaker Merino 200 Oasis, Craft Pro Hypervent, Under Armour ColdGear, Salomon Agile LS Tee and Odlo I-Thermic. Which to pick based on cold, sweat management, merino wool, compression or built-in wind protection.
Best Trail Running Gaiters 2026: 3-Way Comparison
Comparing the 3 best trail running gaiters in 2026: Salomon Trail Gaiters High, Salomon Trail Gaiters Low and TRIWONDER waterproof gaiters. Which to pick by terrain and budget.
Nutrition for Backyard Costa Brava
NutritionWith 6.7K as the longest distance, plan your intake before the start and never try anything new on race day.
Tips
- •One gel or carbohydrate source every 40-45 minutes on long efforts
- •Salts or electrolytes if it is hot or you sweat a lot
- •Light solid food (dates, a bar) for the middle section
Getting to Palamós
TransportPalamós (Girona) is reached by road; the reference city with the nearest station and airport or train is Girona.
Tips
- •Check parking and access with the organisers
- •If you arrive by train or plane, pick up a rental car in Girona
- •Arrive early: parking near the start often fills up
Car rental for Backyard Costa Brava
Car RentalA car lets you reach the start on time and explore the surroundings before and after the race.
Tips
- •Book ahead if you travel at the weekend
- •Compare airport or station pick-up in Girona
Sports insurance for Backyard Costa Brava
InsuranceCheck the rules to see whether the day insurance included in the registration is enough or whether you need a federation licence.
Tips
- •Federation licence or day insurance, depending on the rules
- •If you travel from abroad, travel insurance with sports cover
Sun protection for Backyard Costa Brava
Sun ProtectionEven in autumn, hours outdoors expose your skin. A sweat-resistant sunscreen and lip balm avoid surprises.
Tips
- •SPF50 sweat-resistant sunscreen
- •Protect lips and ears
Body care for Backyard Costa Brava
Body CareFeet, chafing and eyes are the first things to fail. Blister patches, anti-chafe balm and sunglasses are basics.
Tips
- •Anti-chafe balm on underarms, thighs and feet
- •Keep blister patches in your finish bag
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is Backyard Costa Brava 2026?
- On Saturday 17 October 2026. The main start is scheduled for 9:00 according to the registration page.
- What distances does Backyard Costa Brava offer?
- Backyard loop 6.7 km. Elevation gain is shown only where the organisers have published it.
- How much does registration cost?
- The fees published on RockTheSport range 40 EUR. Registration opened on 1 June 2026 and closes on 9 October 2026. Online registration has already closed: ask the organisers whether bibs remain.
- Where does it take place?
- In Palamós (Girona). The nearest reference city with the widest choice of accommodation and transport is Girona.
- Where do I register?
- Through RockTheSport, the official registration platform for the race. Always check dates and rules on the organisers' website.
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