Back Yard Ultra – Crossford Bridge 2026

Crossford Bridge Backyard Ultra.

Saturday 4th of July saw the second running of the Crossford Bridge Backyard Ultra.

The BYU format is one where participants are tasked with running a 4.17 mile loop on the hour, every hour until a single runner is left standing.

Our bespoke version was limited to 12 laps over 12 hours with runners taking part individually, as a pair or as a family or simply to see how many of the laps they could cover (the “fun run” option).

For those who had completed the designated number, (12 laps solo, 6 as a pair etc), the final 12th lap was the “counter”, raced at full tilt to claim the “first across the line” trophy.

Medals were awarded to all the valiant losers.

The route started with a lap of the track. Competitors then ran up the Bridgwater canal, wound through the trails of Chorlton Ees, back along the river Mersey to then return home via the canal to finish with a final lap of the track.

Games, music, a BBQ and general conviviality was had throughout the day.

Additional refreshments were provided by Robinson’s master brewer Richard ‘Eddie’ Edwards.

The weather held – just.

Trophies were awarded as follows:

The Moran and Wood family (led out by the youngest members) could not be split so took a trophy home each for the mantelpiece.

Anne Chinoy and Jon Terry won the pairs category, aided by a brave Wendy Terry in supporting role.

Hannah and Anna (or was it Anna and Hannah) could also not be split, completing the full 12 laps (50 miles) and crossing the finish line hand in hand. Who hosts the trophy we will leave to them to decide.

Congratulations to the winning male, Matthew Harrison and the first loser, last year’s champion Eddie Edwards, who had both entered for the “fun run” option of a handful of laps but got carried away and completed the full 50 miles.

Special mention to ultra runner virgin Dima Roz, who ground out the full 12 laps, despite (grumpily?) threatening to pull out on more than one occasion, aided and accompanied by wife and eldest daughter across the finish line to be presented his medal by his youngest daughter with a minute to spare.

Well done everyone.

Race Director Olli Gaillemin