Kuopio Backyard 2025
What is Kuopio Backyard Swimrun?
Kuopio Backyard Swimrun is a swimrun version of the well-known running concept Backyard Ultra. Instead of pure running, in Kuopio you will go trough the loop with several swimming and running sections, as always in swimrun. The winner of the race will be the last one standing or better said the last one swimming, running and dealing with the transitions.
How can I travel to Kuopio?
If you travel from abroad, first take a flight to Helsinki. From Helsinki Airport to Kuopio you can take:
- a connecting flight (1 hour)
- a train (4 hours)
- a rental car (4 hours)
From Kuopio city to race area you can take a bus (local bus 7 or 16) or a taxi. If you are going to participate Hidden Gems of Pogosta camp before the race you can drive to Kuopio straight from there.
Why is it 4,167 km per loop?
In Backyard Ultra running races the length of a loop is 100 mi / 24 = 4,167 mi. Swimming is roughly 4 times slower than running which makes it relevant to use a length of approx. 0,5 * 4,167 mi + 0,125 * 4,167 mi = 4,19 km / loop to make sr-ratio 50/50 based on time. The length of 4,167 km (= 100 km / 24) means exactly 100 kilometers of swimrun per 24 hours!
What is the course like?
Kuopio Backyard Swimrun will literally take place in the backyard of Kuopio city. However, the course is in the middle of the nature of Finnish Lakeland. The running sections are roughly 1/3 easy path, 1/3 moderate trail and 1/3 technical trail. The swimming sections are between 85 - 285 meters. The total climb is only 50 meters. The course will be marked very well. Watch the whole course preview on our Youtube-channel!
What's the difference between Fighters and Lighters?
The category of Fighters is the real Backyard Swimrun race where the last one standing is the winner. You will also have a great chance to enjoy 6 hours of the most exciting night swimrun as a Fighter. If you prefer to do a long race (25km+) join Fighters!
The category of Lighters is for the swimrunners who prefer short distances (5 - 25 km). If you feel one loop in one hour is too long you can choose to make a short cut (3,5 km). You can also skip a loop if you need more time to recover. That's why Kuopio Backyard Swimrun is suitable for swimrunners at any level! The Lighters will swimrun in daylight.
Can I start the loop later or earlier than at the exact hour?
No, you can't. There will only be a mass start on every round. If you are late for the mass start your race is over. If you are a Lighter and late for the mass start, you can wait for an hour and join the next round.
When is the end of the race?
The race is open-ended which means the length of the race has not been settled beforehand. The last loop of the race is when there's only one Fighter left there on the course. If this happens before 3 pm. on Saturday Lighters are allowed to continue until the end of the loop starting at 3.00 pm.
How are the results calculated?
Fighters:
Officially, in Backyard Swimrun, there is only one finisher - the last one standing. All the other competitors will result as DNF (Did Not Finish). If there is more than one swimrunner on the last loop there will be no winner nor finisher in the race. Practically, all the competitors will also be listed according to their amount of completed loops. No timekeeping.
Lighters:
Lighters may log their amount of completed loops on the Lighters results -list.
Which equipment is recommended / mandatory / forbidden?
Please, check the information on Instructions and Rules. Note! For the night swimrun you'll need a suitable headlight (IPX8 is the absolute minimum!). We recommend you to order a Lumonite Compass or Lumonite Vector head light via Valostore. Use the code BULTRA10 to get 10 % off! At the race area you are allowed to receive external help and make changes to your optional equipment. Sauna and bathrooms are located right at the race area and open around the clock.
Can I race with a partner?
Every swimrunner will participate Kuopio Backyard Swimrun as an individual. However, it's very usual in Backyard for you to team up with racers at similar speed. This will make swimrun easier, safer and more fun especially at night. Note, that using tow line is forbidden in Fighters category.
Where should I stay in Kuopio?
Kuopio Backyard Swimrun will take place in the middle of Rauhalahti Camping area. If you want to stay in a tent, van, cabin, cottage or villa you are already right there! Check and book here
Spa Hotel Rauhalahti is located only 500 meters from the race area if you prefer to stay in a hotel.
Why should I choose Kuopio Backyard Swimrun?
Kuopio Backyard Swimrun will bring together swimrunners with different goals for hour after hour. The continual community spirit throughout the race will cheer you up and help you to hit your best. The night swimrun loops with mass starts will give you thrills you won't forget!