Photo: Spain Backyard Ultra (opens in a new tab) / Source (opens in a new tab)Castro Caldelas, Ourense
Spain Backyard Ultra
Saturday, 15 May 2027
Backyard loop (6.706 km/h)
6.706km D+ 240m
Backyard ultra format
Complete format guide: rules, gear and strategy
Your checklist for Spain Backyard Ultra
What you need, category by category, with our #1 pick for this race. Tick what you already have.
0 of 6 ready
Swipe to see all 7 categories
Swipe to see all 7 categories
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
At least 2 pairs of shoes: rotating every few loops reduces blisters
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)Salomon Speedcross 6
Exceptional grip in mud and technical terrain
Downside: Average durability on pavement
Nutrition
Real food: sandwiches, rice, pasta, hot broth
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
Sweat-resistant SPF50 cream, reapply at aid stations
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
Tape or patches on hot spots before the start
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)Squirrel's Nut Butter Anti-Chafe Cream
Car Rental
You can also pick up a car at Ourense train station (AVE from Madrid)
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 (6.706 km/h)
Price: 50 EUR
- Distance
- 6.706 km
- Elevation Gain
- D+ 240m
- Max Time
- 1h
| Modality | Distance | Elevation Gain | Max Time | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Backyard loop (6.706 km/h) | 6.706 km | D+ 240m | 1h | 50 EUR |
Will your watch battery last the ~1 h of Spain Backyard Ultra?Worked out for the longest course (6.706 km). See which watches reach the finish with GPS on and which die on the way.Check my watch Check my watchGear up for Spain Backyard Ultra
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
10°C – 19°C
Average 14°C
Rain
43%
1.9 mm avg
Wind
16 km/h
max. average
Sunshine hours
12h
daily average
Gear recommendations
Bring a waterproof jacket (43% 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.
Bring thermal layers (low of 10°C)
Buff
Buff Thermonet
Thermal tubular Buff with Primaloft technology. Traps body heat, ultralight and versatile: hat, neck gaiter, headband. Ideal for high mountain.
Craft
Craft Pro Hypervent LS Wind Top
Thermal top with a windproof ripstop panel on the chest and a highly ventilated soft jersey back. Built for high-intensity sessions in cold, windy conditions, with long cuffs and thumb loops.
HANKER
HANKER Thermal Neck Gaiter
Unisex thermal seamless neck gaiter in Soft Air Plus fabric (97% polyester). Seamless fit designed for trail running, cycling, motorcycling and outdoor sports. A budget alternative to Buff for moderate cold.
Icebreaker
Icebreaker Merino 200 Oasis LS Crewe
Long-sleeve thermal top in 100% merino wool (200g). Natural temperature regulation, genuine multi-day odor resistance and a soft, non-itch handfeel from the fine merino yarn.
Odlo
Odlo Active Warm Eco
Long-sleeve thermal base layer made from recycled fabric with anti-odour treatment. Active thermal regulation, ideal as a base layer in the mountains.
Odlo
Odlo I-Thermic Women's Longsleeve
Women's long-sleeve thermal top with insulating panels placed over cold-sensitive areas (lower back and kidneys). A mid-layer built for genuinely cold winter conditions, mountain outings or cross-country-style trail sessions.
ROCKBROS
ROCKBROS Thermal Windproof Balaclava
Thermal windproof balaclava covering head, ears, cheeks and neck. Designed for cycling and motorcycling, it works just as well on windy, freezing trail runs.
Salomon
Salomon Agile LS Tee
Lightweight quick-dry polyester long-sleeve tee with underarm mesh, a side pocket and reflective details. Works as a standalone layer in mild cold or as a base layer under a windbreaker on colder days.
Salomon
Salomon Cross Run Tight
Long trail tights with stretchy, breathable fabric. Adjustable waist, zipped back pocket. Protection from cold and vegetation.
Salomon
Salomon Cross Warm Glove
Thermal running gloves with a non-slip palm and touchscreen fingertips. Light, warm and compatible with poles.
Under Armour
Under Armour ColdGear Armour Compression Mock
Compression thermal top with a dual-layer fabric: ultra-warm brushed interior and quick-dry exterior. Second-skin compression fit with stretch mesh panels at the back and underarms for ventilation without losing warmth.
Under Armour
Under Armour ColdGear Armour Compression Mock (Men's)
Men's high-neck thermal compression top: brushed interior that holds heat and a quick-dry outer. Base layer for cold-weather runs.
Forecast for 15 May
Weather forecast from Open-Meteo (may change until race day)
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.
360Complete Pack
Spain Backyard Ultra 2027 Registration
RegistrationSpain's official backyard ultra with Silver Ticket for the World National Teams Championship.
Tips
- •Limited to 150 spots
- •Online registration via spainbackyardultra.com
- •Winner qualifies for Spain's national team
- •Team category: up to 4 runners, loops are summed
Where to stay for Spain Backyard Ultra
AccommodationCastro Caldelas is a small village in the Ribeira Sacra with limited accommodation.
Tips
- •Book early: options in Castro Caldelas are limited
- •Rural houses in the Ribeira Sacra are the best choice
- •Ourense city is about 50 minutes by car
- •Camping area available near the race venue
Gear for Spain Backyard Ultra
GearMountain loop with 240 m elevation gain per lap. May in Galicia can be rainy and cool.
Tips
- •At least 2 pairs of shoes: rotating every few loops reduces blisters
- •Powerful headlamp mandatory if the race extends into the night
- •Camping chair for resting between loops
- •Spare socks: bring at least 4-5 pairs
- •Thermal layers for the Galician early morning
Which shoes for Spain Backyard Ultra?
Which footwear fits based on the race's terrain and weather
Which GPS watch for Spain Backyard Ultra?
Which watch has the battery to last based on your estimated finish time
Best Trail Running Headlamps 2026: 12 Models Compared
The 12 best headlamps for trail and ultra running in 2026: best value, best budget, 1000+ lumen picks (Petzl Swift RL, Nao RL, Fenix HM65R-T) and models with a rear light. Choose by the hours of darkness in your race.
Night Running Safety Kit: What to Wear Besides a Headlamp
A headlamp lights the trail, but it doesn't make you visible to others. Complete guide to the night running safety kit: rear light, reflective armband, high-visibility vest and power bank, with when you actually need each piece.
Best Shoes for Backyard Ultra 2026: Buying Guide
The 4 best backyard ultra shoes in 2026: Altra Lone Peak 9, NB Hierro v9, Saucony Peregrine 16 and Salomon Sense Ride 5. Wide toe box and comfort for dozens of 4.167-mile loops.
Nutrition for a backyard ultra
NutritionIn a backyard ultra the feeding window is ~15 minutes per hour. Real food and variety are key to going beyond 24 hours.
Tips
- •Real food: sandwiches, rice, pasta, hot broth
- •Don't rely only on gels: the stomach suffers after 12 hours
- •Prepare a box with food organized in 4-6 hour blocks
- •Hot broth for the night hours: salt, calories and warmth
- •Strategic caffeine from nightfall (coffee, cola, caffeinated gels)
How to get to Castro Caldelas
TransportCastro Caldelas is in inland Ourense, deep in the Ribeira Sacra. Road access only.
Tips
- •From Ourense: 50 minutes via the OU-536
- •From Santiago de Compostela: 1h 40 min via AP-53 + OU-536
- •From Madrid: about 5 hours via the A-6
- •No direct public transport: a car is essential
Car rental for Spain Backyard Ultra
Car RentalRural location with no public transport. A car is necessary.
Tips
- •You can also pick up a car at Ourense train station (AVE from Madrid)
- •Mountain roads: no tolls but winding
Sports insurance for backyard ultra
InsuranceExtreme endurance ultra with no distance limit. Sports insurance mandatory.
Tips
- •Civil liability insurance mandatory
- •Mountain rescue coverage recommended
- •Spanish mountain federation licence or private trail running insurance
Body care for Spain Backyard Ultra
Body CareFeet and skin face hours of sweat and friction. A blister and anti-chafe kit prevents the silliest DNF.
Tips
- •Tape or patches on hot spots before the start
- •Blister plasters in the vest from the first kilometre
Sun protection
Sun ProtectionSun exposure takes its toll on long races, especially on exposed sections and at midday.
Tips
- •Sweat-resistant SPF50 cream, reapply at aid stations
- •Protect lips, ears and neck
Best Sunscreen for Runners 2026: 7 Sweat-Proof SPF 50 Picks
Which sunscreen survives a sweaty long run? We compared 7 SPF 50 sweat-proof picks — creams, sticks and a lip balm — on heat, altitude UV and sweat resistance. See the winner.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a backyard ultra?
- A backyard ultra is a race where participants must complete a 6.706 km (4.167 mile) loop every hour. The last runner who can complete a loop is the winner.
- When is Spain Backyard Ultra 2027?
- May 15, 2027, starting at 10:00 from Castro Caldelas, Ourense.
- What is the Silver Ticket?
- The winner earns a Silver Ticket granting a spot on Spain's national team for the World Championship in October.
- How many participants can enter?
- Maximum capacity is 150 participants. Registration opens on January 1.
- What type of terrain is the loop?
- Mountain trail under tree cover, starting from Castro Caldelas castle in the Ribeira Sacra. 240 metres of elevation gain per loop.
Races similar to Spain Backyard Ultra
View all similar races →Swipe to see all 3 races
Photo: Club Pinineo Sport12 Sept 2026Race finishedBackyard Baltasara
Mieres
Backyard ultra — 6.7 km loops on the slopes of La Baltasara, above Mieres
6.7kmD+ 250mEliteView Pack 360
Photo: Backyard Ultra Montgrí / Oncolliga Girona26 Jun 2026Race finishedBackyard Ultra Montgrí
Torroella de Montgrí, Girona
Charity backyard ultra — 6.7 km loops with 90 m D+ in Torroella de Montgrí, night start
6.706kmD+ 90mEliteView Pack 360
Photo: Organisation Bee Backyard Trail Los Berrocales (official poster)7 Nov 2026Bee Backyard Trail Los Berrocales
Paracuellos de Jarama
Backyard ultra in Madrid: a 6.7 km loop (240 m D+) every hour, up to 15 laps, 165 places
6.7kmD+ 240mEliteView Pack 360
Do you organize a trail race?
Add it to TrailRunTemple for free. We build its page with the full Pack 360 (registration, accommodation, gear, nutrition and more) so runners find it and show up prepared.
Add my race for free