The fifth edition of the Ulala Backyard Ultra Paraguay has been officially announced, scheduled to take place on 15 and 16 August 2026. Held at the Club El Cortijo in San Bernardino, the event has established itself as one of the most significant ultradistance competitions in the country. This upcoming race, however, carries special importance for national athletics. For the first time, it will serve as the official qualifying event to select the Paraguayan National Backyard Ultra Team. This team will go on to represent the nation at the prestigious World Team Championship later this year.
The global championship, set for October 2026, is a major event on the international ultrarunning calendar, featuring teams from an impressive 86 different countries. Consequently, the stakes for Paraguayan competitors have been raised considerably, as the Ulala race now provides a direct pathway to competing on the world stage. The event is expected to attract the country’s most resilient and determined long-distance runners, all vying for a coveted spot on the national squad.
Understanding the unique race format
The Ulala event follows the distinctive Backyard Ultra format, a singular test of endurance within the world of running. Competitors are required to complete a 6.7-kilometre circuit within a one-hour time limit. At the start of every hour, a new lap begins. Any runner who successfully completes the loop within the allotted time is eligible to start the next one. This process continues relentlessly, hour after hour, creating a unique challenge of pacing, recovery, and mental fortitude.
The competition does not have a predetermined distance or finish time. Instead, it is a race of attrition that continues until only one runner remains capable of completing a final solo lap. This ‘last person standing’ rule means the winner is not necessarily the fastest runner, but the one with the most profound physical and mental endurance. Athletes must carefully manage their energy, nutrition, and rest in the short breaks between laps, which can last from a few minutes to over twenty, depending on their pace.
A gateway to international competition
The event’s new status as a national team qualifier has been further solidified by a significant international accolade. The Ulala Backyard Ultra Paraguay has been awarded a ‘Silver Ticket’ by the global governing body of the sport. This is a highly respected international recognition granted only to official events on the Backyard Ultra world circuit. The distinction validates the quality and standards of the Paraguayan race, placing it firmly on the global calendar for the discipline.
Moreover, the Silver Ticket designation enables the event to function as part of the official international classification process. This not only enhances its prestige but also integrates Paraguayan ultrarunning more deeply into the worldwide community. The recognition is a testament to the growth of the sport within Paraguay and the organisational efforts behind the event, which now stands alongside other esteemed international races.
Fostering community through participation
Registrations for the Ulala Backyard Ultra Paraguay 2026 are now open through the Servicronos online platform. In an effort to boost participation and strengthen the local running community, the organisers have introduced a special promotion aimed at teams and clubs. This initiative is designed to encourage groups of runners to enter the competition together, fostering a sense of camaraderie and collective effort.
Under the terms of the promotion, the team that registers the highest number of runners will be rewarded with two complimentary entries for the event. In addition, every member of that winning team will receive a 5% refund on the registration fee they paid, provided they meet the established inscription conditions. This dual incentive aims to not only select the country’s best individual ultrarunners but also to support the growth of running clubs, training groups, and the wider athletic community throughout Paraguay, reinforcing the event’s role as a cornerstone of the sport’s development in the nation.
Also read how San Bernardino prepared for the Ulala Backyard Ultra 2025 Challenge last year.
