The Longbridge 100 Backyard Ultra Summer 2026 – Race Report

Date: Friday 26th June 2026 

Strava miles: 89.06 miles

Elevation: 13,957 ft / 4,252 m

Weather: Hot, humid, overnight thunderstorm

Start: Longman Brewery, Litlington

Route type: 4.2 mile laps

Conditions: Dry

Website link: The Longbridge 100 Backyard Ultra by 3 Word Runs 

The Longbridge 100 Backyard Ultra – Race Report

Lap description: upon leaving the start corral bear slight left through an uphill gravel and loose stone tree tunnel, make a left, following undulating track then down ‘groan hill’, turn right for mostly uphill track with a flattish section towards the end of the track before heading on to flat grass past water trough. Steep grass climb to turnaround point. Retrace steps. Pass point of course entry and bear left for the start of the next climb. Continue up and right around ‘shit corner’ (apparently there is usually a pile of manure here). Little bit flat / slightly uphill until the left turn for the final climb which forks right into a field for the second turnaround point. Collect a token and retrace steps. Take the left a few metres before the course entry point to go down past a horse paddock towards the Longman Brewery and then left to go up to the start / finish area.

The Longbridge 100 Backyard Ultra – Race Report

I’ve been having a very interesting time with backyard ultra of late. In March 2025 I achieved a PB of 50 yards, this secured me a lovely spot of around 8th or 9th on the ‘at large’ list. The at large list is made up of 21 spots, 15 of which will represent the UK at the World Satellite Championships in October 2026. Spots 1 – 4 are awarded to Silver Ticket holders, winners of the Silver ticket races (Portland Pig, God’s Own, Longbridge 100 Summer and Highlander). Places 5 – 15 are for the highest ranked UK athletes within the qualifying period and spaces 16 to 21 is the reserve list for the next highest ranked UK athletes within the qualifying period. At time of writing, I am ranked 20th and an athlete would need 58 yards to enter the UK team.

The reason I’ve been having an interesting time at backyard ultra is I have ended up doing many more than I had initially planned. My goal at Rasselbock Sherwood Pines this year was to aim for the stars, ideally getting 100 yards, so I could move from second UK female to first UK female and first women to break 100. With Alex Sweet on the start list and a last minute entry from Iain Bethune, I felt there was chance the race really could go long. However, a tornado ripped through camp whilst we were out on the 34th yard and halted proceedings. I was in particularly good form for that race and my coach Andy Wilson had ensured I had peaked at the right time. Sadly, Rasselbock was not my time to shine.

With many backyard ultra races in the calendar over the next few months, I knew I needed to enter a backup race because I was certain I could not keep my place on the UK team with 50 yards, I needed more. I entered God’s Own Backyard Ultra, this gave me two shots at the team, the potential to go long enough plus it was a Silver Ticket event. However, I did not do my research thoroughly enough and there was far more tarmac on the course than I realised, it was not at all suited to my strengths and I had to bail out early at 33 yards, starting the 34th but turning back. What to do? I had the opportunity to represent England again at the Four Nations at Florence Court, Ireland, that would surely go long but having looked into logistics and financial cost I knew I would have to decline my place. My attention turned to The Longbridge 100. I didn’t know much about it and I certainly hadn’t realised it was local, just 90 minutes from home. This is a Silver Ticket event with a course record of 31 yards, each loop having around 650 ft of elevation gain so it is highly unlikely to go long. It was 5 weeks after God’s Own. Would I be back to full fitness in time having just completed 140 miles in scorching hot weather at GOBY? I didn’t know, but I thought I’d give it a go!

I met RD Darren at the beginning of June to do a recce of the course, I wanted to see it before I entered. I loved it. The views were stunning, I loved how the hills gave clear running and walking sections and I really enjoyed meeting Darren and hearing the story of the race, he is clearly very, very passionate about this event. My mind was made up, I entered.

Alex Sweet (PB 58) was to be my crew, we had a Zoom call ahead of the event to go through everything and I felt that this race could be a good one for me and I had every chance of things swinging in my favour.

A 6pm Friday start meant I had a very relaxing morning and what with the race being so local I had the novelty of staying in my own bed the night before race day. I arrived just before 2pm and got my area set up. The crew area is contained within three barns, this meant no gazebos and guaranteed shelter from the elements. Wonderful.

Once set up, I had a nap, then went to registration at 3pm and then had another nap. I was opposite fellow Duracoacing Athlete Alun Rose, a really nice guy, he was being crewed by his son.

My crew, Alex, was coming straight after work so I would not be seeing him until after the second or third yard. RD Darren gave a great race briefing which included an inspiring talk by Marcus Jarvis from Warrior’s Breath, he’d been diagnosed with stage 4 advanced incurable cancer, with secondary tumours on the liver, with a complete lifestyle change including diet, acupuncture and breath work, he is now cancer free. There was also a video message for us from Darren’s great friend and fellow Green Runner, Jasmin Paris.

The start of the Longbridge 100 was unlike any backyard ultra start I have ever experienced, perhaps a little more like the Dragon’s Back Race start! There were a team of drummers from The Sussex Drum, reams of supporters sipping ice cold wine and beer from the Longman Brewery, enjoying toasties and iced coffee from the Cadence Cafe and eating pizza from La Squadradella Pizza… the atmosphere was buzzing with excitement. I was really pleased that Anne Crawford was in the race, she’s on the Irish at large list and was planing to do the same as me, secure a firmer spot on the list. We’d got on really well at Sherwood Pines and knew we could rely on each other if either of us needed a positivity boost or some advice.

The countdown over, we went out on to the first yard, the drummers and crowd going wild. The sun still shining bright, the yellows and the greens of the fields, the blue of the sky, the chalk horse in the distance, it was absolutely stunning, the most picturesque course one could hope for. The course is a double dog leg with two out and backs, there’s a marshal and cameras at each turnaround point and a token to be collected from a labelled draw at the second turnaround point. Mandatory kit was to carry a phone at all times, I don’t usually carry my phone on a BYU unless I am listening to music so I thought I’d make the most of it and get a selfie with my first token. With 54 of us wanting that Yard 1 token, I needed to be efficient not wanting to cause a queue so I got my phone out in good time and got it set up to selfie mode.. the guy in front of me taking his token pulled the draw completely out and they all fell on to the floor! So much for not causing a hold up!

Coming in I was surprised to see Luke Carter, I offered him a sweaty hug which he accepted, he was there to crew Vic Owens. I was shocked that I completed the first yard in 47 minutes, so much quicker than I anticipated. 

Yard 2 I met Lorenzo for the first time, his shoe lace was undone, I let him know, it was on purpose though, he’d completed the South Downs Way 100 miler just two weeks before and that foot was still a little tender. There were dancing marshals on the course, one of which later dressed up as whoopee cushion, the party vibes were so good! Coming in off the second yard, the drummers and crowd still performing to the max, I was delighted to see that Alex had arrived, I had a fruit pot and gave him a tour of the crew area I had set up for us.

Yard 3 more people to chat to, this time I met Sam, he is one of those fellows who just makes you smile, very jolly and very jokey indeed. I had a great chat with Nathan about mindset and told him a story about a stick, which I later heard him retelling to someone else which made me smile. Someone asked me what was on my gaiters, why chickens of course! This prompted a conversation about my gorgeous flock. A spinach and filo parcel to eat back at camp.

Yard 4 was what I later referred to as “the neither sunglasses nor head torch yard”, as the sun was setting you could hear the “oooohs” and “ahhhhs” from all the runners, so many stopping to take photos. The sky was a deep orange pink, a line of trees silhouetted, I wish I had a photo and I wish I had the words to describe just how stunningly beautiful it was.

Yard 5 was to be the first with the head torches. I also got chatting to Natasha, her PB was 5 yards and she was hoping to achieve more. Living in London and with parents from America and the Gambia we had a really interesting chat. I hope I gave Natasha some inspiration and some mindset tips about running beyond her PB and through the night. It was now dark, and the distant rumble of thunder could be heard, lighting could be seen over the sea, it was very atmospheric. Alex had bought a pizza for us to share, it was delicious.

Yard 6. Up until this point I was having the time of my life, but something rather extraordinary was about to happen.

The lighting drew closer, the night sky was fizzing and cracking and then right in front of us the most exceptional pink lightning strike, it crackled, from sky to field dashed lines rather than a solid line.

I have never before witnessed anything like it, followed by a great deafening boom, the reactions of the runners could be heard all around, most of us in awe and delighted, some scared, and then there was the realisation of just how close the thunderstorm was coming and there was much chatter on our safety. I found out later that Darren had been studying the storm real time and would be ready to make the call and halt the race if required.

I continued my journey through the night, never ceasing to smile and enjoying many a conversation but also having plenty of time on my own to reflect on my journey as a runner. A couple of yards in the torrential rain I donned a poncho and took some now cold pizza with me, somehow it felt luxurious. I’m beginning to believe that there was magic in the air that night, it was transformative for me, suddenly lots and lots of things that had previously been jumbled together in my head became clear and I had absolute complete clarity. I left a voice note and sent a selfie to Coach Andy, I wanted him to be the first to know. Alex made a note of it that I had “a revelation”. Indeed I had. This blog is an account of my running life, it is not one of my personal life, so without divulging too much information I have realised that since doing backyard ultra I have been searching for something, the funny thing was, I did not know that I was searching for it until I found it ‘out there’ on the Longbridge course. Something inside me shifted and I suddenly realised a number of things as pieces started clicking together, I also realised that because of my new way of thinking, I had a sneaky suspicion that this was going to be a very good race indeed. Often in a backyard, you go on an emotional journey. There are many high points and many low points, this backyard however, I knew that the whole thing would be a high for me. And so what followed was truly the most joyous race until it’s perfect and beautiful conclusion.

After the 12th yard I came in buzzing and telling Alex how much I loved the course, I really could not get enough of it! I wished he could come with me so I could show it to him, I wanted him to see for himself how delightful it was. Each lap there was something beautiful to see and hear, whether it was the changing weather, the colours of the land shifting as dusk turns to night turns to dawn turns to day, the birdsong, the runners’ chatter, the “whoop whoop” as Anne and I passed each other, someone (probably Sam) singing “chick chick chick chicken” to me as we passed.

I completed lap 13 in 51m 22s and was rewarded for my efforts with a Power Porridge from Cadence Cafe. My word, that was the best porridge I have ever had in my life – it had granola, banana slices and pecans on the top with maple syrup drizzled over.. I’m drawling a bit as I write about it! Washed down with a cup or de-caf tea too… bliss

On the 14th yard I followed a trail of orange tape, upon seeing Vic I tutted in a joking manner to let her know she’d left a trail of tape behind. Sure enough, on the next yard she’d picked it up and it was gone. We’d chatted about the tape and how nothing would make it stick to her due to the humidity, she’d even used the special sticking spray. Vic told me how she’d got used to it flapping about and I said it must be like having a little round of applause wherever she went. Lorenzo and I had chatted a fair bit in passing each other on many of the yards, I nicknamed a little hill ‘groan hill’, I always forgot it was there as it was just around the corner from a lovely downhill runnable section, as runners turned the corner and saw the hill, they all let out a sigh or a groan, it was funny.

One of the marshals said that I had been voted, “the most cheerful runner here”, I think it was all my many songs that I had been making up and singing to all.

Yard 15 I spent a lot of time with Anne, she’d been doing much faster yards than me up until that point but her stomach was playing up, she asked me my advice which I gladly gave and then said she’d stick behind me and do as I do. It was nice being able to chat but I knew it was a ‘bad lap’ for her and I hoped I could cheer her up. I made a silly song up for her and sang it to her. Something along the lines of, “Anne, Anne you’re so great, running up this hill is going to be a thrill” pretty compelling stuff. When Vic joined us she received similar, “Vic, Vic you’re so slick…” the second part of the song was so good I actually can’t remember it! Bryony and Joe the marshals at the second turnaround also got a special song, really, my musical skills don’t get used as often as they should.

Yard 16. Lot’s of suncream, an ice buff and a spot of Vaseline under my nose (I have a tendency to rub it and it can get sore) Anne, Vic and I ran most of the yard together but I pulled away from them on the last mile or so. Sadly this was to be Anne’s last yard, she was not feeling well at all.

The 17th yard I think there was some talk about tortoises and chickens and by now the weather had really upped the ante, it was so very hot and humid, there was no escape, no shade. The field was really thinning out. I spotted a stone that looked like a penis and mentioned it to James. I may have also told him about my run for Prostate Cancer in February. James was incredible, he would get really left behind, so much so I was sure he would time out, I’d be yelling at him, “C’mon, you can do it!” and then on the second half of the yard he would come flying past me and finish way ahead!

Alun and I spent some time together on the 18th yard, many times when we had passed I had joked with him that he needed to slow down so we could grab a selfie together and send it to our Coach Andy. We finally got the selfie!

I think Alun knew I was slowing down now, when we got to the turnaround he got a token out for the both of us which was really sweet of him. I came in at 55.46 and knew that I needed to go to the toilet but prioritised cooling down (the Portaloo was hotter than any sauna!) Alex had read my mind and had got me the one thing that ticked all boxes:

1. Cold. 
2. Quenches thirst. 
3. Filling. 
4. Solution: A frozen smoothie. 

Alex packed my new Kailas Fuga Air 7l bag with all the things I needed for a bit of fertilisation of the countryside whilst I drank the smoothie and cooled my feet in water, and off I went onto the next yard.

Alun and I ran together a bit more and I told him that I would be visiting Mother Nature’s facilities and if it did not impact him in any way and he happened to spot Alex, would he kindly mind telling him that I’d be coming in late and be in need of a cold coke and a cold water? Sure enough. As I neared the end of the yard, I heard the three minute whistle, I rounded the corner and the marshals gave a thumbs up to all at the finish line (they would not have been able to see me at that point) so they knew that I would make it in. As I neared the marshal I told her, “I like to keep you all on your toes!” 58.32. Probably my slowest yard of all time but the most bizarre thing (think back to my new outlook after the magical and transformative storm) I was so relaxed and calm and genuinely nonplussed. Any previous BYU I would have been having a huge stress about my limited rest time. I sat on the steps near the corral and Alex gave me all that I needed there, the medic wanted to take my temperature but both Alex and I said the reason I was so slow on that yard was not because of heat exhaustion but due to a planned pit stop. I didn’t bother standing up until around 10 seconds to go.

Yard 20 I realised that my race was perhaps drawing to a close. I had a cold coke in one hand, a cold water in the other. I actually felt pretty great, nothing hurt as such, no blisters, no pains, I was just slowing down, I was drinking and eating enough but I think the limited rest time after the yards and the heat were catching up with me, this yard and the one before was particularly hot. But I wasn’t going to give up. I’ve learned from past experience that sometimes you can be sure that you will time out to the point of betting money on it but then somehow you don’t. I just kept on trundling along with a silly grin on my face. As usual for the last few yards, James was way behind me the first half and then would disappear up ahead on the second half. I could see Sarah was beginning to walk a bit more and she and I continued to cheer each other on, she leading the field, myself bringing up the rear, the five guys in the middle. I said to the marshal at the second turnaround that I felt I might get timed out. She looked at her watch. “You’ve got loads of time, 11 minutes.” Ok, come on!

I phoned Alex and told him I wasn’t sure I would make it in on time but if I did, I needed something to cool me down and we’d not have long to turn me around. He stayed on the phone with me a bit to encourage me and I asked him the time, “the three minute whistle is about to go” I told him where I was on the course and that I would definitely make it in, with “loads of time to spare”. There was the friendly pre-finish line marshal and I joked with her, “I told you, I like to keep you on your toes! I’ve actually just been doing a spot of yoga round the corner and having a snooze!” I came in at 57.59 and did a little dance, the cheers from the crowd was something quite extraordinary, people shouting my name and cheering! I felt very loved.

I sat on a stool that Alex had positioned for me and while Alex crewed me another chap (Kris?) held ice on my neck and then popped it under each armpit. I said, “who are you?” “I’m the timing guy” he replied. “Thank you.” Considering I had 2m 1s rest time I felt so calm, so serene and so relaxed, I think I even commented after the one minute whistle that it felt like the first minute was a long time. Alex made sure I did not get off the stool until a few seconds to go.

On to the 21st yard. Could I make 24? I wasn’t sure. The weather had dropped a couple of degrees which was appreciated. I certainly was moving so much slower. I got to the point that was my 30 minute marker, it was about 36 minutes. Hmmmmm. Pretty sure I’m not going to make it, I could just go back to the the start/finish. Nope. I didn’t know for sure so on I trundled, I was getting that 21st token no matter what! James came flying past after his slow first half, “C’mon Lizzie, you can do it! You’ve got this!” I got my token and said once again to the marshal, I’m not sure I’ll make it! She looked at her watch, “You can do it!” Off I went down the hill, just keep moving. As I neared the finish I looked at my watch 3pm. I rang Alex. “You ok?” “I”m great, I’m a couple of minutes away” And sure enough in I came, to a hero’s welcome, it was quite moving if perhaps a little undeserved but I guess I’d been keeping them on the edge of their seats for the last couple of yards!” I waved my token in the air at Darren, “I’ve got my token!” I rang the DNF bell, I did my burpee, I hugged Alex and I tried to tell Kelly (the land owner) about my race but it was tricky as the crowd were going so wild!

I went to Longbridge hoping for a Silver Ticket, it turns out the thing I didn’t know I wanted was what I came away with. I’ve been doing BYU because I have been searching for something I didn’t know I was looking for. I found it ‘out there’ under the Strawberry moon during a stormy night as pink lighting struck. The most joyous race from start to beautiful finish. My heart is full.

And do you know the absolute icing on the cake? Do you know who the winner was? It was Alun, fellow Dura Athlete. Coach Andy might not admit it, but I’m pretty sure he had a tear in his eye that day. When Andy and I chatted about the race afterwards, Andy had said that the performance was Alun’s life’s work. And in chatting with Alun during the race, I know what Andy means. I could not be more happy for Alun and think of anyone more deserving of that UK place and I cannot wait to see how the UK Sat Championships unfold for him.

Alun, James, Harry, Sarah and Dave completed the 24th yard together as a team. On completion, the four stopped for Alun to take on his victory yard. Honestly, I could not think or a more beautiful finish.

Alex was exceptional, quiet, calm, collected, he was absolutely wonderful and his BYU knowledge and experience played a big role in my enjoyment levels.

The Longbridge event crew brought the vibes to the race. The runners and their supporters brought the party… all fantastic, I could not wish for a better backyard race experience.

I have come away feeling like a true winner through and through.

The women of the race

I’d just like to take a moment to reflect on the awesomeness of some of the women of this race. Sarah and Maria, they were so fast and so strong we were never able to speak other than shout passing encouragement at each other, they were at the front of the pack the entire time, they were both grinning the entire time, they were legendary. Anne. So friendly, so wonderful, so supportive, a fiercely strong runner, she too, at the front of the pack. I was able to have the pleasure of sharing some miles with Anne. Natasha. Another fiercely strong lady, improving her PB from 5 yards to 8 yards, take a moment to think about that… 21 mile PB to a 33 mile PB. Incredible.

What I wore: Saucony Peregrine 12, Garmin Fenix 7 Pro Sapphire Solar, buff, Under Armour shorts, Injinji socks, mostly Twisted Running tee shirts / vests, custom chicken gaiters made by Lesley from the Sewing Shed. Trailskin anti-chaf

Trailskin

Pre race I used TrailSkin Trench Foot Cream on my feet with TrailSkin Anti-Chafe Salve around my heels. Post race I used TrailSkin Revival Foot Balm. 89 miles, 14,000 ft elevation, hot and humid conditions, no blisters, no hot spots. LizzieG20 for a 20% discount at TrailSkin.

Lead up: With less than 5 weeks between God’s Own Backyard Ultra and Longbridge I managed a recovery, a bit of training (including three days in North Wales covering the first half of the North Wales Pilgrim’s Way) and a taper. I’d also had my birthday the week leading up to Longbridge which involved an overnight stay in a spa hotel, what a lovely way to relax pre race!

Summary Literally the BEST backyard ultra experience of my life. I had a silly grin on my face pretty much the whole time. I actually think everything went perfectly, there was nothing I would change for this race. Alex said I was easy to crew with a professional and positive attitude (something along those lines) which really pleased me. This was my eighth backyard ultra so I am quite clear on my needs during the race. With no negative moments, and literally no problem solving other than just finding ways to cool me down I could not have wished for a better race.

Lessons learned

There are lots of ways to try to keep cool but one thing I hadn’t thought about, was the instant ice packs. This is what Kris was using for me on my final down time, if I’d have had a stash of these to take on the course with me that would have been a big help to keep me cool. I doubt very much I would have run any further but I would have been more comfortable.

The ways I kept cool:

• white / light coloured tee shirts
• wet buff around my neck (can put ice in)
• wet hat
• use a sponge and cold water on back of neck and armpits
• take a water mist sprayer on course (also fun as you can spray others with it!)
• feet in cold water in between yards
• ice smoothie, ice coffee

It goes without saying I topped up sunscreen on a regular basis, wore a hat and sunglasses and took hydration with me on course and topped up regularly with salt tablets. I also informed Alex every time I had a wee so he would know if I was under or over hydrating.

Results

Strava time: 21hr 03m 01s

Fast lap: 48m 45s (yard 2)

Slow lap: 58m 32s (yard 19)

Average lap: 53m 49s

Overall: 7 / 54

Lady: 2 /15

Strava link: click here

Longbridge 100 Summer 2026 results: click here (Elizabeth Gatherer results appear under the name ‘Alice Smith’*)

*At time of entering Longbridge 100 I’d had an experience which meant I wanted to enter the race under a pseudonym.