Mani Backyard Ultra 2026: race guide
The 1st Mani Backyard Ultra is a new backyard-ultra race in the Mani peninsula, organised by the Cultural and Athletic Association "Argis" under the auspices of the Municipality of Western Mani, starting on Saturday 12 December 2026 at 10:00 a.m. from the Stoupa Cultural Center, according to the official site ultramarathon.gr. In the backyard-ultra format, every runner must complete a 6,706-metre loop within 60 minutes, with a new start given exactly every hour, until only one winner remains — the race has no fixed final distance or finish time. Below is the course, the race rules, eligibility, the entry fee and the registration process, as published by the organiser itself.
What it is and where it takes place
The 1st MANI BACKYARD ULTRA is organised by the Cultural and Athletic Association "Argis", under the auspices of the Municipality of Western Mani, and takes place on 12-13 December 2026 based at the Stoupa Cultural Center, in Messinia. The official site presents it as introducing "a new ultra-distance event to Mani" — that is, this is a first edition, with no prior years or results archive.
The outdoor area of the Cultural Center serves as the "Mantri" — the start/finish line for each loop — while the interior serves as the aid station and spectator area.
What a backyard ultra is, and how it works here
In a backyard ultra there is no fixed finishing distance: every runner must repeatedly complete the same loop within a strict time limit, with a new start given at a fixed interval, until only one runner remains. At the Mani Backyard Ultra each loop is 6,706 metres long and a new start is given exactly every one (1) hour; anyone who does not complete the lap within 60 minutes, or does not report to the next start on time, is disqualified.
The official site states that no form of external support (food, running alongside, etc.) is permitted along the course — support from support crews is permitted exclusively within the Race Village area. The race continues until only one athlete remains, who successfully completes a final valid lap and is declared the "Last One Standing" — the winner of the race. In addition, per the official site's specific awards rule, the top three women are awarded the titles "Last One Standing" (1st), "First Assist" (2nd) and "Second Assist" (3rd), and the top three men correspondingly receive the same titles — meaning these titles are awarded separately by gender across all three places, not only 2nd and 3rd.
The course
Each loop starts at the Stoupa Cultural Center, follows the bike path to the eastern edge of Agios Nikolaos (Selinitsa), and returns via the same route (round trip). The official site describes the route as 100% paved, with an elevation gain of approximately 60 m per loop.
For the night hours, the official site says headlamps are not required, but for safety reasons the organisers recommend runners wear light-coloured or reflective clothing.
Schedule and eligibility
- Race-number pickup: Friday 11/12, 5:00-8:00 p.m. and Saturday 12/12, 8:00-9:30 a.m.
- Race briefing: Friday 11/12, 8:00 p.m.
- Runner introductions at the "Mantri": Saturday 12/12, 9:30-9:50 a.m.
- 1st-loop start: Saturday 12/12, 10:00 a.m.
- Anyone who is at least 18 years old is eligible to participate, per the official site
Registration and entry fee
The participation fee is €40. Registration will open in September 2026 — the official site does not give an exact opening date, only "early September" / "September 2026" — and will remain open until the event's participation limit is reached, a figure that is not published as a specific number. When registration opens, the event's own official website will also go live.
Upon registration, runners are asked to indicate the longest distance they have ever run (e.g., 10 km, marathon distance, a 25-hour backyard ultra) so the organisers can assess their racing profile and provide targeted support during the race. The same page explains that the number of participants will be limited so the event can offer meaningful, individually tailored support to each runner.
Nutrition and medical support
At the Race Village, inside the Stoupa Cultural Center, runners will have water, electrolytes, salt sticks, fresh fruit, savoury snacks, sweets and selected foods. From the third hour of the race until its conclusion, the event will offer hot food via live cooking prepared by a professional chef in collaboration with a nutritionist, with an emphasis on local products from Mani's culinary tradition.
Throughout the race, a doctor and an ambulance will be on site to provide medical assistance to the runners, according to the official site.
Filming and sponsors
At the "Mantri", and only there, throughout the race, the event will be filmed for a planned documentary, along with photography and video coverage for promotional purposes, according to the official site.
Sponsors named on the official site include Ligo Akoma, Sport of Running.eu, Vitamins and Shakes, Trexalito and Saucony.
Contact
For information about the race, the official site names Race Director Bill Kouman as the contact, at +30 697 202 122.
Frequently asked questions
When is the 1st Mani Backyard Ultra?
It starts on Saturday 12 December 2026 at 10:00 a.m. from the Stoupa Cultural Center; the race can continue into Sunday 13/12 depending on how long runners last.
What is the backyard-ultra format?
Every runner must complete a 6,706-metre loop within 60 minutes, with a new start given exactly every hour, until only one winner remains — there is no fixed final distance.
How long is the loop, and how much climbing does it have?
6,706 metres, 100% paved, with approximately 60 metres of elevation gain per loop, from Stoupa to Agios Nikolaos (Selinitsa) and back.
Who is eligible to enter?
Anyone who is at least 18 years old, per the official site.
How much does it cost, and when does registration open?
€40. Registration will open in September 2026 (no exact date is published) and will close once the participation limit is reached.
Is outside support allowed on the course?
No. No form of external support is permitted along the course; support crews may only assist inside the Race Village.
What does the winner receive?
The winner is declared "Last One Standing". The official site also states that this same title, along with "First Assist" and "Second Assist", is awarded separately to the top three women and the top three men. No medal or other prize beyond these titles is mentioned.
Is there medical support on site?
Yes, a doctor and an ambulance will be on site throughout the race, according to the official site.
