The endurance-testing Backyard Ultra format is coming to Coimbatore — and to South India — for the first time. The inaugural Coimbatore Backyard Ultra is organised by Prem SB and Nithin SS, the founders of the health and fitness startup, Battle Ground. It will take place on March 22, inside the Kumaraguru Institutions campus. With 58 participants, including ultra runners from across South India, this event aims to introduce the region’s running community to a format that pushes both physical and mental limits.
Testing format
The Backyard Ultra is unlike any other race. Participants must complete a 6.7-kilometre loop within an hour. The race continues until only one runner remains. Those who fail to complete a loop within the allotted time are eliminated. In this format, every other runner is classified as ‘Did Not Finish’ (DNF), making endurance, strategy, and mental strength just as crucial as physical fitness.
For beginners and half-marathoners, there is the Backyard 4 category, where runners complete four loops, covering 27 kilometres.
“This format allows runners to compete against themselves,” says Prem. “Unlike marathons, which have a fixed distance, or stadium runs, which have a time limit, here, you can push your limits in a controlled environment. Even those hesitant at first realise they can run longer than they thought possible.”
Kumaraguru College of Technology, the venue for Backyard Ultra
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement
Organising an ultra event
Prem and Nithin, both 2019 graduates of Kumaraguru College of Technology, come from athletic backgrounds — Prem played basketball, and Nithin played kho kho. After college, career demands pulled them away from sports. However, they took up running two years ago, reigniting their competitive spirit.
Their personal experiences as ultra runners led to the creation of the Coimbatore Backyard Ultra. “Backyard Ultras have been happening in India since 2019, but only in the north,” says Prem. “We ran the Mumbai Backyard Ultra last year — Nithin for 15 hours and I for four hours — and realised how costly these events were. Travel, accommodation, and entry fees alone could amount to ₹20,000 to ₹25,000 per person.”
Determined to make ultra running accessible to local runners, they chose Coimbatore for its weather and affordability. “Compared to Mumbai, Gurgaon, or Chennai, Coimbatore’s summer is more forgiving,” Prem explains. “The race route inside Kumaraguru campus has 60–70% green cover, providing ample shade. Minimal elevation makes it easier on the legs, and since it’s within a closed campus, runners don’t have to deal with traffic.”
Prem SB and Nithin SS
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement
The appeal of ultra running
The Indian record for the Backyard Ultra stands at 52 hours, held by Sunil Sharma. His runner-up, Ankit Sharma, will be participating in the Coimbatore edition. Other notable participants include Dr Vinod Nathaniel from Trichy, winner of the recent Chennai Stadium Run.
Beyond competitive runners, the event has attracted interest from amateur runners across Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Kochi.
The event is also seeing a shift in how families engage with endurance running. “In typical marathons, runners finish their race and go home. Here, friends and family can be part of the journey, cheering on participants through each loop,” says Nithin. “This format fosters a sense of community and support.”
Unlike mainstream marathons, which attract tens of thousands, niche ultra events require organic community building. The team refrained from aggressive marketing, relying instead on word-of-mouth and radio ads.
Yet, interest in the format is growing. “Five years ago, Coimbatore had only two or three running communities. Now, there are over 10. Each locality is forming its own groups, proving that the running culture is expanding,” Prem observes.
Nithin adds, “Ultra running in India is expensive. Entry fees alone deter many runners. We wanted to break that barrier and create an event that’s affordable and accessible. More importantly, we wanted to build a sustainable platform for local runners to explore ultra distances.”
On March 22, 35 runners will compete in the ultra category, while 23 will take on the Backyard 4 challenge. The race will start and end at the same location.
As Prem and Nithin look ahead, they see potential for Backyard Ultras in India. “This race changes your perspective on endurance,” says Prem. “It’s a mental game. You might struggle initially, but with the right mindset, you can go further than you imagined.”
For registration and information, visit battlegroundindia.odoo.com/coimbatore-backyard-ultra
Published – March 07, 2025 01:00 pm IST
