Full details for THE BACKYARDER

Event Overview

• Event Name: Aussie Alpine Backyarder

• Date: 31st December 2025

• Location: 13 Village Bowl Court, Falls Creek, VIC, 3699

• Start Time: 12pm Set up, 430pm mandatory Race briefing, 5pm Race Commencement

• End Time: Either when the Last person standing completes a lap after the second last person calls it quits or the last person DNFs within that lap. If last person DNFs then there is no winner.

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Quick Checklist (Before You Arrive)

• Signed waiver

• Registered and paid

• Accommodation booked for support crew, Snowski Apartments is 100meters from the start line and offers a discount for runners and crew

• Running gear (multiple sets recommended)

• Nutrition/hydration plan

• Headlamp/lighting (mandatory)

• Warm gear (Alpine nights can get cold)

• Personal aid station setup (3x3 meter Marquee)

• Crew support arranged (if using one)

• Ability to share location to your support crew at all times in case of emergency

• High-vis vest — mandatory for all runners. High Vis vests will be required to be worn throughout the night loops  (8pm-6am)and then again during MTB shuttle operating hours (10am-4pm)

How the Backyarder Format Works

• A 6.71km loop (4.167 miles) every hour, on the hour

• Must be at the start line corral every hour to continue

• If you’re not at the start line, you’re out

• Whatever you start the lap with you need to finish with, no dropping gear

• No assistance by outside support while on loop

• Only one runner will complete the final lap and be declared the winner

• All others are classified as DNF (Did Not Finish)

Course Details

• Loop Distance: 6.71 km

• Elevation Gain Per Loop: 210meters

• Surface Type: Trail – mix of ski run, aquaduct, singletrack walking trail, singletrack mountain bike trail and fire trail.

• Terrain: The terrain is within the Falls Creek Ski area and covers smooth gravel flat trail on the aquaduct to rocky uphill walkers singletrack to smooth flowing mountain bike trail to untracked grassy ski trail and gravel fire trail

• Night Loops: Exactly the same as the day loops

Event Schedule

12pm-4pm - Check-in Opens

3.30pm - All cars to be removed from Falls Creek Village by this time, except pre arranged aid station vehicles.

430pm - Briefing

5pm - First Loop Starts

Hourly - New loop start

End - Awards / Close

Venue & Facilities​

• Toilets: Yes, non active participants to avoid using toilets at busy participant time, best used after the loop departs.

• Showers: Not in event village but available at day shelter of Gateway and above Foodworks.

• Water Access: Available via waterfill station or outside Bogong Ski Club

• Food Vendors: Coffee available throughout the race. Frying Pan Inn food and beverages available for purchase between 4pm to 9pm(to late for drinks) on the 31st and the 2nd if still racing. Limited supplies available from Event Aid station

• Parking: Cars will be aloud in for set up between 12 and 3.30pm, after this they will need to be removed from the village to the Bogong High plains road or Lower Slalom car park.

• Crewing Area: Space for personal aid stations and crew support, will be allocated on arrival from 12pm for those with 8+ loop tickets.

• Is your aid station a Motorhome/van? There is limited space for this and prearrangement needs to be accepted.

Mandatory Gear

• Headlamp with spare batteries (for night loops)

• Weather-appropriate clothing(seam sealed waterproofs, gloves, beanie, thermals, sun hat)

• Hydration (bottles/packs)

• Emergency whistle

• Personal nutrition

• Mobile phone

• Location sharing with support crew

• High vis vest mandatory for all runners starting the fourth lap. High Vis Vests needed from 8pm to 6am(road safety), and 10am and 4pm(mtb safety). Hours repeat into the following days.

Support Crew Info

• Crews can assist between loops only

• Crews must stay within designated area

• No pacing on course

Communication

• Emergency Contact at Event: Niknok - Race Director +61488158585

• Medical Support On-Site: First aid support on site with first aid tent. 

• Event updates and alerts via Email and SMS

• Your location must be shared with your support crew and Race Director at all time while participating.

Weather & Conditions

• Average temperatures in January: 24degrees during the day and 9degrees during the night

• Expect variable alpine weather: sun, wind, rain, even snow

• Be prepared for hot days & freezing nights

• Despite relatively low summer temperatures in alpine environments, ultraviolet radiation remains strong, increasing the risk of sunburn. Sunscreen use is essential.

Rules & Regulations

• Standard Backyarder rules (per Lazarus Lake)

• No littering

• No outside aid during a loop

• You must complete the full loop within 60 minutes

• Respect other participants and volunteers

• You must be in the corral before the hour to start the next loop

• No poles allowed - this is considered an assist

• Dogs: Not allowed – as due to Falls Creek Resort management rules and regulations

Prizes & Recognition

• Last person standing = official winner

• All others: DNF

Media & Photos

• Professional photographer on-site

• Tag us on socials: @fomotrails on FB and IG

• Hashtag: #AussieAlpineBackyardUltra #justonemore

• Consent for use of photos is assumed unless opted out

Volunteers & Sponsors

Thanks to our amazing volunteers and partners:
ASICS

Infinit Nutrition

Injinji Socks

Goodr sunglasses

Falls Creek Resort

Falls Creek Ski Lifts

The Frying Pan Inn

Falls Creek Tennis and Social Club

The Falls Creek Community

Falls Creek Primary School

Snowski Apartments

Vegetation Mount Beauty

Contact & Questions

• Website: www.fomotrails.com

• Email: hello@fomotrails.com

• Socials: Facebook and Instagram - @fomotrails

Attachments or Add-ons:​

• Course map with elevation​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​