The Sting Backyard Ultra takes place in heart of Richmond, North Yorkshire, and is quickly becoming a standout fixture on the UK ultrarunning calendar.
Launched in July 2025 by Team Caterpillar, the event is already close to selling out for its 2026 edition.
Dionne Torkington-Craven, organiser of The Sting Backyard Ultra, said: “From the moment we submitted our licence, we felt guided and supported every step of the way.
“The advice from Ben Skinner in licensing and the wider EA team helped us meet every requirement confidently and ensured our runners had a safe, professional event to enjoy.”
The race follows the “backyard ultra” format, where runners complete a 4.18-mile loop every hour until only one participant remains.
The winner of the 2025 event, Ben Potter, covered 117 miles over 28 hours on one of the hottest weekends of the year.
The course features more than 300 feet of elevation per loop and takes runners past Easby Abbey, through woodlands, and alongside rivers.
Race director Hollie Jones, along with Ms Torkington-Craven, worked closely with England Athletics to ensure the event was fully licensed and met all safety standards.
The event also focused on building a strong community atmosphere, with live music, evening entertainment, a busy campsite, and local vendors.
A team of 51 volunteers supported runners and helped create what organisers described as a celebration of endurance and camaraderie.
With the 2026 event already filling up, Team Caterpillar plans to refine the experience while staying true to its core values of connection, challenge, and community.
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Organisers said that England Athletics’ licensing process not only legitimised the event but also helped make it a success.
More information about the event and registration details can be found at team-caterpillar.com.
