The Race Course of Cretan Backyard Ultra 2027 Cretan Backyard Ultra follows the classic "day & night loop" format, offering runners a complete experience of landscape changes, light variation, and diverse terrain. The main reason for adding the night loop: safety for all athletes and their convenience, taking the night factor into account. Day Loop (daytime circuit) The race starts at 10:00 AM on Saturday, marking the beginning of the Day Loop. It is slightly more demanding compared to the night circuit, with approximately +125m positive and negative elevation. The route moves through olive groves, dirt roads, and natural passages with smooth gradients, providing continuous landscape changes and unobstructed views toward the mountains and sea. The terrain is 55% dirt and 45% asphalt or cement. (GPX: https://ideanroutes.gr/files/backyard26/day-loop.gpx) Night Loop (nighttime circuit) At 18:00 on Saturday, with the sunset, the race transitions to the Night Loop, a gentler route with +110m positive and negative elevation. The Night Loop is an out-and-back design: runners cover 3.350km and return on the same road. The pace of the race changes: the terrain becomes less technical, while gradients are smoother and better distributed. Runners move with headlamps, on a well-marked route with reflectors, enjoying the quiet and unique atmosphere of the Cretan countryside. (GPX: https://ideanroutes.gr/files/backyard26/night-loop.gpx) Loop Switching From 10:00 to 18:00, participants run the Day Loop. From 18:00 to 08:00, they continue with the Night Loop until first light on Sunday, when they return to the daytime route. Each hour brings a new start, a new challenge, on the same landscape — but always slightly different, always going deeper. New loop starts every hour with a 59'59" time limit. Athletes rest for the remaining time within the hour. Includes electronic timing, bib number, tent village with facilities, unlimited access to aid station (water, electrolytes, food after 4 hours), memorial t-shirt and medal. Mandatory equipment: headlamp with batteries, personal cup/container for drinks and food (no plastic provided). Zero plastic policy enforced. DNF medals awarded to all except the last finisher. Group awards available for teams with registered members.