A thrilling new race format has come to Tauranga for locals to try out and see how long they can last.

Held at McLaren Falls Park on December 14, Rockys Backyard Ultra will involve running the 6.71km loop every hour, on the hour, until only one runner remains.

This is the first time a Backyard Ultra event is being held in Tauranga and event director Sean Galdeman will be New Zealand’s youngest organiser at 21 years old.

Galdeman is excited to see how long it will take until there is only one runner standing and said at the world championships runners kept going for an incredible 110 hours which added up to more than 700km.

“While Rockys Backyard Ultra isn’t expected to go that long, we are excited to welcome strong competitors, including Jane McAlpine from Cambridge who represented the New Zealand team in the World Satellite Champs in 2024.

“The McLaren Falls course offers a pretty stunning backdrop, with trails winding alongside Lake McLaren, passing waterfalls, native bush, and even glowworms for those running into the night.

“With an elevation gain of under 100m per loop, the event offers a challenging yet accessible experience that caters to everyone - from those aiming to complete just a few laps to seasoned ultra-runners looking to run well into the night.

“This inaugural event is more than just a race; it’s an opportunity to showcase Tauranga’s vibrant community spirit and showcase the incredible natural beauty of the Bay of Plenty.

“Backyard ultras are a fresh concept in New Zealand, and with this being the first of its kind in the region, Rockys Backyard Ultra is set to draw not only runners but also spectators and supporters from the local and wider community.

“It is a ticketed event, but every effort has been made to keep entry fees as affordable as possible while covering the essential costs needed to run the event.”

However, it is completely free to come along to watch, cheer on the runners, or simply enjoy a great day out, Galdeman said.

He said this event is for everyone, runners can do one lap or many. “Everyone’s got their own little challenge.”

He has participated in several Backyard Ultras around New Zealand since he was 19 and fell in love with the concept.

After realising Tauranga didn’t have a Backyard Ultra, Galdeman took it upon himself to start one up at McLaren Falls, a location that holds special meaning to him.

In memory of his puppy, Rockys, who used to join him on runs, Galdeman organised a Backyard Ultra in his name for the whole Western Bay community to enjoy.

Registrations close soon, and further details are available on Rockys Backyard Ultra Facebook page. To register visit eventplus.net/RBA24