Spain Backyard Ultra

Spain Backyard Ultra

Spain Backyard Ultra is the official backyard ultra race in Spain and host of the 4th World National Teams Championship. It takes place every spring in Castro Caldelas, a village declared one of Spain’s most beautiful, in the heart of the Ribeira Sacra (Ourense).

The format

The concept is simple and brutal: a 6.706 km loop with 240 metres of elevation gain that starts every hour on the hour. If you’re not at the start line when the bell rings, you’re out. The race continues until only one runner can complete another loop. That runner is the winner — the last one standing.

The loop

The circuit runs under the tree cover surrounding Castro Caldelas castle, with mountain trails through the Ribeira Sacra. With 240 m of elevation gain per loop, it’s one of the toughest loops on the global backyard ultra circuit. That means less rest time between loops and greater cumulative fatigue.

Silver Ticket

The winner earns a Silver Ticket: a direct spot on Spain’s national team for the World Championship. It also qualifies runners for the 2027 Individual World Championship.

Strategy

The key to a backyard isn’t running fast — it’s managing effort hour by hour:

• First 12 hours: comfortable pace, constant eating, hydration
• Hours 12-24: the mental battle begins. Rotate shoes, dry clothes, hot food
• Beyond 24 hours: every loop is a victory. Simplify the routine, one foot in front of the other

Plan your fueling for the long haul with our nutrition calculator, and use the gear checklist to make sure nothing is left behind at your aid station setup.

Castro Caldelas and the Ribeira Sacra

Castro Caldelas is the gateway to the Ribeira Sacra, one of Galicia’s most spectacular areas. River canyons, terraced vineyards, monasteries and landscapes that deserve a few extra days of exploring. Browse more events in Galicia.