The Wild West Backyard Ultra

16/06/2026

There’s something pretty special happening on the West Coast next Easter and Rānui is excited to be part of the action as charity partner of the kids race ❤

The Wild West Backyard Ultra returns to the Hokitika Beachfront on 26 March 2027 (that's Easter Weekend) set between the Tasman Sea and the Southern Alps - it doesn't get much more gorgeous than that!

Runners take on a 6.7km loop on the hour, every hour - continuing for as long as they can. It’s simple in format, but powerful in spirit… and it all comes down to one last runner standing.

What makes this event even more meaningful is the difference it creates. Every step taken helps support families staying at Rānui providing a home-away-from-home when it’s needed most.

Alongside the main event, the Kids Run (1km or 1 mile) is open to tamariki of all ages, with entry by donation every contribution going directly to support Rānui families.

A beautiful mix of community, challenge and generosity - we’d love for you to be part of it. 👉 Visit The Wild West Backyard Ultra to find out more and sign up https://www.wildwestbyu.nz/

16/06/2026

We were featured in the local newspaper last week! 📰🙌

We’re also excited to share that we’re officially halfway to capacity for entries already 🫣

We’re incredibly grateful for the support so far — especially from our local community. It’s awesome to see so many West Coasters getting behind this event once again ❤️

If you have any questions about the event, feel free to get in touch:

📧 [email protected]

We’re also always keen to hear from anyone interested in supporting the event through volunteering or sponsorship. We’d love to chat! 🙌🏼

Thank you for being part of the Wild West Backyard Ultra journey - it’s shaping up to be another epic weekend on the West Coast 🌊

15/06/2026

We are thrilled to announce Kinetrix Performance coming on board as a nutrition sponsor for the 2027 Wild West Backyard Ultra 🤠

http://www.kinetrixperformance.com/

Born in Tasman, New Zealand, Kinetrix is performance fuel for athletes who don’t back off when the pressure builds.

Powered by honeydew honey sourced from Aotearoa’s native forests, our energy gels deliver steady, sustained energy without the harsh spikes and crashes of traditional gels.

Built by athletes and backed by science, Kinetrix is designed for long rides, hard training, and real competition… when reliable fuel matters most.

Registered for our 2027 event? Keep an eye on your inbox - we have a special discount code coming your way 👀

14/06/2026

After an influx of entries yesterday, following our opening to the public - we are already almost half-way through our capacity for the 2027 event!

Get in quick to secure your spot - link to registration form below 👇🏼

Come and experience New Zealand’s most scenic Backyard Ultra, running between the ocean and the mountains, on the wild West Coast!

14/06/2026

With general entries opening today at midday we thought it was worthwhile doing our official WE ARE GOING TO THE WILD WEST BYU 2027 POST with the pretty graphics. We’ve already sold over half our kits (thanks to our AWESOME returning customers - we are stoked!). If you want to take the hassle out of your weekend (and remove any chance of having to clean or dry wet tents and ground mats) then book your event kit at the link in our bio.

This is an awesome event, and will be a great way to kick off the Easter long weekend!

Each kit comes with
1 x 3x3m Gazebo with walls
1 x OZtrail recliner chair
1 x 50L chilli bin
1 x Tarp Floor
1 x 1.2m table
1 x 24 pocket wall hanger

14/06/2026

If you’re hired a kit with us for KMBU please check your emails - our one month out email went out yesterday! Looking forward to seeing you all there!



Reminder of our upcoming events open for booking
2026 EVENTS
- KMBU - kits sold out, waitlist open, extras still available
- Hanmer Springs BYU
- Naseby
- Scenic Circles BYU
- Moturoa BYU
- Arrowtown BYU

2027 EVENTS
- Wanaka BYU
- Wild West BYU (very nearly sold out!)
- Carousel BYU. more to come as entries start opening

13/06/2026

We are very stoked to welcome Polish & Pan back as a SILVER sponsor for our 2027 event 🙌🏼

“Polish & Pan brings authentic West Coast experiences to the heart of Hokitika. Located indoors in the town centre, we offer hands-on activities inspired by the region’s rich gold-rush heritage — designed to be fun, accessible, and enjoyable in any weather.”

Discover, create, and take home a genuine piece of the West Coast. If you’re in Hokitika - make sure you check them out!

https://www.polishandpan.nz

13/06/2026

🏃‍♀️🔥 Registrations are NOW OPEN – Wild West Backyard Ultra 2027! 🔥🏃‍♂️

Kia ora team,

The wait is over - entries for the Wild West Backyard Ultra are officially LIVE!

If you’ve been thinking about taking on this epic challenge on the Hokitika beachfront next Easter weekend … now’s your moment to lock it in 👇

📅 Date: Friday 26 March 2027 (Good Friday)
📍 Location: Hokitika Beachfront, West Coast
⏰ Start Time: 9:00am

Set between the wild Tasman Sea and the Southern Alps, this is one of the most unique Backyard Ultra courses in Aotearoa 🌊⛰️

How it works:
Run a 6.7km loop every hour, on the hour… until only ONE runner remains standing.
Simple format - seriously tough challenge 💥

💸 Entries:
• Early bird: $150 (price increases 1 March)
• Limited to just 150 runners
• Spots expected to fill FAST
Please note: You must be 16 years of age or older, at event date, to enter this event.
👉 Register here: https://www.wildwestbyu.nz/enter-event

Once we hit capacity, a waitlist will open automatically.
Instagram:
Facebook: Wild West Backyard Ultra

We can’t wait to see you on the start line for an unforgettable weekend on the Coast.

Who’s in? 👇

11/06/2026

Just over 24 hours until our 2027 public registrations open! Set your alarms for 12noon tomorrow ⏰

The link to register will be available on our “Enter Event” page from 12noon - https://www.wildwestbyu.nz/enter-event 🪴

Our inaugural runners have secured 37 of our 150 available spots - meaning we have 113 up for grabs. We expect these to go quick!

Can’t wait to see our inaugural runners as well as lots of fresh faces back on the Wild West for Easter next year ❤️

Mags & Ash

08/06/2026

FINAL COUNTDOWN ⏳

Public registrations for the Wild West Backyard Ultra 2027 open this Saturday 13 June at 12:00pm (noon).

After priority access for our inaugural runners, limited spots remain - and we’re expecting these to go quickly.

📅 Friday 26th March 2027 (Good Friday)
📍 West Coast, New Zealand

Whether you're stepping up to your first Backyard Ultra or coming back for more ... this is your shot to be on the start line.

What you need to do:
✔ Set your reminder
✔ Be ready at 12:00pm
✔ Enter early

👉 Entries: www.wildwestbyu.nz/enter-event

Don’t wait around - once they’re gone, they’re gone.