$15,000
UP TO
BREAK THE WOMEN'S
WORLD RECORD
$10,000
BREAK THE WOMEN'S
AUSSIE RECORD
$1,000
INTERNATIONAL BREAKING WOMEN'S
NATIONAL RECORD
Legends will be made. Records will fall. And this year, we’re putting serious cash on the line to make it happen.
At Melbourne Frontyard Ultra 2026, runners have the chance to take home up to $15,000 in prize money – the biggest cash giveaway in Ultra Series history!
WHY WE'RE DOING THIS
Backyard Ultra is one of the most exciting and demanding formats in the world. Every year, women are pushing the boundaries further – rewriting what’s possible, inspiring others, and proving that endurance has no limits.
But right now, female participation is only sitting at around 25%.
At Ultra Series, we truly want to encourage as many women as possible to have a crack at this format and join the ranks of an incredibly exciting pool of talent that is accumulating right here in Australia. We want to see so many more women running this format, and this is our way of encouraging it.
The community response has already been overwhelming – from the personal messages to the surge of sign-ups, you’ve told us loud and clear: this is the right move.
WHAT'S ON THE LINE
Up to $15,000 – if the Women’s World Record is broken (currently 87 hours).
$10,000 – if the Women’s Australian Record is broken (currently 61 hours).
$1,000 – for any international runner who breaks their own national record (24+ hours).
Records will be judged against those standing at the start of the 2026 event on May 2nd. Runners must nominate the flag they’re running under at entry.
WHY YOU SHOULD BE HERE
This isn’t just another race. It’s a chance to make history, to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the best, and to push yourself beyond what you thought possible.
Add in:
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The GOAT, Phil Gore, hosting an exclusive training session before the event.
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Disco Stu on the mic, bringing the energy all weekend.
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Tunes pumping lap after lap.
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A community that will lift you higher with every yard.
Together, we’re building something unforgettable.
IMPORTANT DETAILS
We’re putting the biggest prize purse in Ultra Series history on the line – and with that comes a few important details. To keep everything fair, transparent, and in line with the spirit of the Backyard Ultra format, please take the time to read through the Terms & Conditions below.
These outline eligibility, prize criteria, and the rules that ensure every record attempt is recognised properly. By entering Melbourne Frontyard Ultra 2026, you’re agreeing to these conditions.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
1. ELIGIBILITY
Open to all registered runners in the Melbourne Frontyard Ultra 2026 event.
Exclusive to runners born female, irrespective of gender identity.
Runners must nominate, at the time of entry, which country’s flag they will represent.
All runners must comply with official event rules and the Backyard Ultra format.
Any evidence of rule breaches (pacing, outside assistance, gear requirements, etc.) will void eligibility for prizes.
A runner does not need to be the overall event winner, or the official assist, to claim a prize.
2. PRIZE TIERS
Women’s World Record Bonus Prize: $5,000
Only one Women’s World Record Bonus Prize will be awarded, provided all conditions are met.
This prize is awarded if the current Women’s World Record is broken.
The Women’s World Record Bonus Prize is $5,000 in addition to any other prize earned.
If the Women’s World Record is broken by an Australian runner, they will receive the $10,000 Women’s Australian Record Prize + $5,000 Women’s World Record Bonus Prize (total $15,000).
If the record is broken by an international runner, they will receive the $1,000 Women’s National Record Prize + $5,000 Women’s World Record Bonus Prize (total $6,000).
This prize will be awarded to the runner with the most laps completed.
If two or more runners finish on the same lap, this prize will be evenly distributed between the tied runners.
The prize winner does not need to be the overall event winner.
Record must be officially recognised by the Backyard Ultra governing body or accepted by Ultra Series Australia.
Women’s Australian Record Prize: $10,000
To be eligible for this prize, a runner must be an Australian resident and must nominate Australia as their represented flag.
Only one Women’s Australian Record Prize will be awarded, provided all conditions are met.
This prize is awarded if the current Women’s Australian Record is broken.
This prize will be awarded to the runner with the most laps completed.
If two or more runners finish on the same lap, this prize will be evenly distributed between the tied runners.
Record must be officially recognised by the Backyard Ultra governing body or accepted by Ultra Series Australia.
International Women’s National Record Prize: $1,000
To be eligible for this prize, the runner must reside overseas and nominate a country other than Australia as their represented flag.
This prize is awarded if the international runner breaks their own National Women’s Record.
The broken record must exceed 24 hours.
This prize will be awarded to the runner from each country with the most laps completed.
If two or more runners from the same country finish on the same lap, this prize will be evenly distributed between the tied runners.
Record must be officially recognised by the Backyard Ultra governing body or accepted by Ultra Series Australia.
3. RECORD VERIFICATION
All current records will be confirmed as they stand at 12:01am (AEST) on May 2, 2026.
Verification will be conducted by Ultra Series Australia, whose decision is final.
4. PAYMENT OF PRIZES
All prize money will be paid via bank transfer within 30 days of record verification.
Any taxes, duties, or levies are the responsibility of the recipient.
5. GENERAL CONDITIONS
Ultra Series Australia reserves the right to amend, suspend, or withdraw this prize offer if circumstances beyond our control require it.
All prizes are exempt of GST and are paid in Australian Dollars.
Entry into the Melbourne Frontyard Ultra 2026 constitutes acceptance of these Terms & Conditions.