Unique, challenging running events across Guernsey's coastline, cliffs and countryside. Small island. Serious trails. Founded by runners for runners.
2026 / 2027 event calendar
Backyard ultra
Backyard ultra
Donkey Drop Out
15/16 Aug 2026
Guernsey · Sylvans
Backyard ultra~4 miles per loopEvery hour on the hourLast one standing wins
One loop every hour until only one runner remains. Guernsey's only backyard ultra — deceptively brutal, utterly addictive. Don't be the first donkey to drop.
∞
Last standing
Entries open
Backyard ultra
Round island ultra
GU36
16 May 2027
Island-wide · Full circumnavigation
36 miles / 58kmUltra distanceFully markedMixed terrainSt Peter Port start/finish
A 36-mile fully marked race around the entire island — south coast cliffs, sweeping west coast bays, north coast and back. New for 2027, shorter distances and relay options. The definitive Guernsey ultra challenge.
One loop every hour. Last runner standing wins. Guernsey's only backyard ultra — come and find out how many loops you've got in you.
Date
15/16 Aug 2026
Format
Backyard ultra
Loop distance
~4 miles
Start time
8.30am
How it works
The backyard ultra format is simple in theory, brutal in practice. Every hour on the hour, runners must complete a loop of approximately 4 miles and return to the start before the next hour begins. The last runner to finish a loop — when everyone else has dropped — wins. There is no set finish distance. There is no second place.
Hour 1 · 4 miles
→
Hour 2 · 4 miles
→
Hour 3 · 4 miles
→
…
→
Last one wins
Each loop must be completed within the hour window. Rest time shrinks as your pace slows. The race ends only when one runner remains standing.
Course & GPX
The route will be confirmed and released closer to the event. GPX files and course notes will be available to download here once finalised.
Course map — coming soon
Event manual
Base camp
Sylvans FC
Rue de la Corderie, St Peters
Lap distance
4.167 mi / 6.7km
Mixed terrain
Course marking
Chalk & white ribbon
Fully marked throughout
Recce run
TBC
Date and time to follow
How it works
Each lap starts on the hour, every hour. You must be in the circle when the lap starts. We keep going until only one person finishes a lap — at that point they are declared the winner.
Tip: When you get back to camp, use your time well. Use the facilities, get some food, sort your feet and clothing, or whatever you need. The rest window shrinks as the race goes on.
Water & waste
We have large water bowsers at base camp for refilling bottles — please use these to minimise plastic waste. There is also a refill station at the reservoir on the course.
Number collection
Friday 14 August · 6:30pm – 7:30pm
Sylvans · Registration and number collection
Saturday 15 August · 7:00am – 8:00am
Sylvans · Registration and number collection
Please ensure you collect your number during one of these windows, or arrange for someone to collect it on your behalf.
Setting up camp
You are welcome to set up tents and gazebos at the same time as registration. Please note:
Do not drive into the field
Do not set up on the marked pitch
Your responsibility: By participating you accept responsibility for your own safety.
What to carry
Be mindful of what you need at the start of each lap to complete it safely. Consider:
Fuel and hydration for the lap
Hat and sun cream in warm conditions
Appropriate layering for the temperature
Wind and waterproof clothing if rain is forecast
Appropriate footwear for the terrain
A mobile phone for emergencies
Roads and junctions
The roads are not closed and junctions are not marshalled. Please take particular care at all road crossings.
Injuries on course
Please help anyone you find injured or in distress — we will give you a time allowance if you do. If you are injured yourself, be sensible and only continue if it is safe to do so.
Private land and permissions
Many of the trails are privately owned and we use them with kind permission. Please treat them with respect at all times.
Important: Any litter on the course will result in disqualification.
Respect for the public
Please be respectful to members of the public you encounter on the trail and give them priority when passing. We want to continue to host this event and operate with a leave no trace, make no impact approach. How we behave on course directly affects our ability to run these events in future.
Entry
Entries are open now. Places are limited — secure yours early. Please read the race rules and FAQs before entering.
Getting to Guernsey
Not from the island? We've put together everything you need — flights, ferries and exclusive race hotel rates — on our getting here page.
Volunteer
We need a great crew to make this event happen. You can earn free entry to any M3 Events race. Everyone gets a coffee.
36 miles around the entire island of Guernsey. Fully marked, mixed terrain, starting and finishing in St Peter Port. The definitive Guernsey ultra.
Date
16 May 2027
Distance
36 mi / 58km
Start / Finish
St Peter Port
Terrain
Mixed / marked
Shorter distances & relay options coming
We are working on shorter distance options and a relay format for the GU36 — details to be confirmed. Sign up to our mailing list to be notified first.
About the race
The GU36 is a 36-mile fully marked mixed terrain race around the island of Guernsey. The circular route starts in the picturesque town of St Peter Port before leading onto 16 miles of beautifully rugged south coast cliffs. From here it is fairly flat along the west coast, with sweeping views across the bays and beaches of Vazon and Cobo.
At around mile 25, a fully stocked checkpoint gives you a chance to refuel before continuing around the north coast and east coast back to St Peter Port and the finish. An ideal race for those wanting to step up to ultra distance — with checkpoints further apart than a typical marathon, it will prepare you well for the self-sufficient demands of ultra running.
Race manual
Distance
36 miles / 58km
Approximate
Ascent / Descent
~1,000m
Approx both ways
Start
Liberation Monument
St Peter Port
Finish
North Beach Car Park
Nr. pétanque pitch, St Peter Port
Navigation
Easy navigation — the course is fully marked and you just need to keep the sea on your left!
The route
The race starts at the Liberation Monument in St Peter Port before leading onto 16 miles of beautifully rugged south coast cliffs. There will be a water stop at 8 miles, with the first full checkpoint at Portlet at the end of the cliff section — where you can access your drop bag, water, food and drinks.
From Portlet it's fairly flat along the west coast, where you'll enjoy sweeping views across the bays and beaches. Take some money — you may want to treat yourself to an ice cream or cold drink from one of the kiosks along the way.
At around mile 25, a fully stocked checkpoint at Rousse replenishes you before the final push around the north coast and east coast back to St Peter Port and the finish.
Footwear tip: Trail shoes are recommended for the cliff section. You can leave a change of shoes in your drop bag at the Portlet checkpoint (mile 16) for the flatter west and north coast sections, which include some unavoidable road stretches.
Who is it for?
This is an ideal race for those wanting to step up to ultra distance. With checkpoints further apart than a typical marathon, it will prepare you well for the more self-sufficient demands of ultra running. The safety and enjoyment of our runners is important to us — we will do our best to give you first class race support all the way to the finish.
Checkpoint
Location
Facilities
Cut-off
Start Mile 0
Liberation Monument St Peter Port
—
—
CP1 Mile 8
Petit Bot
Water stop only
2.5 hrs / 09:30
Min pace 18:45 m/mi
CP2 Mile 16
Portlet
Drop bags · Water · Food & drinks · Toilets
5 hrs / 12:00
Min pace 18:45 m/mi
CP3 Mile 25
Rousse
Water · Food & drinks · Toilets
7.5 hrs / 14:30
Min pace 15:00 m/mi
Finish Mile 36
North Beach Car Park St Peter Port
—
10 hrs / 17:00
Min pace 15:00 m/mi · Overall avg 16:50 m/mi
All distances and paces are approximate. Cut-off times are based on a 07:00 race start.
Mandatory kit
Running attire suitable for the conditions on the day
Bottles or hydration pack capable of carrying sufficient water for at least 10 miles of running
Mobile phone with the race support number saved
Recommended kit
A small drop bag — available at the mile 16 Portlet checkpoint and returned to the finish
Trail shoes, particularly for the cliff section (miles 0–16)
Read stories from past GU36 runners — first-timers who made the leap to ultra, locals who know every corner of the island, and visitors who fell in love with Guernsey through their feet.
Getting to Guernsey
Not from the island? See our getting here page for flights, ferries and recommended race hotels with exclusive partner rates.
Volunteer
The GU36 needs a fantastic support crew. You can earn free race entry. Everyone gets a coffee.
Everything you need to plan your trip — flights, ferries and places to stay, including exclusive rates at our race hotel partners.
By air
Guernsey Airport is well connected from across the UK. Journey times from most UK airports are under 90 minutes, making it an easy race weekend trip.
Aurigny
Guernsey's own airline flies direct from London Gatwick, Manchester, Bristol, Southampton, Exeter, Norwich and more. Reliable, friendly and often the best value.
We've partnered with a selection of Guernsey hotels to offer M3 Events runners and supporters exclusive rates. Quote M3EVENTS when booking.
Partner hotel — coming soon
St Peter Port · Details and exclusive rate to be confirmed. Sign up to our mailing list to be notified first.
Rate TBC
Partner hotel — coming soon
Island-wide · We're finalising partnerships across both race weekends. More details to follow shortly.
Rate TBC
Hotel partners will be confirmed ahead of race season. Sign up to our mailing list on the home page to be first to know about exclusive rates and availability — these tend to go fast around race weekends.
On the island
Guernsey is compact — approximately 25 square miles — and easy to get around. St Peter Port, where the GU36 starts and finishes, is the main hub with a great range of accommodation, restaurants and cafes within walking distance of the harbour.
Visit Guernsey
The official tourism site — accommodation listings, things to do, restaurant guides and everything you need to plan your stay on the island.
Several car hire companies operate from Guernsey Airport. Worth booking ahead for race weekends. Taxis are plentiful island-wide and relatively affordable.
Our events only happen because of brilliant people willing to give their time. Come and be part of something special on the island's trails.
What you get
☕
Free coffee
Every volunteer gets a hot drink on us. A small thing that makes a big difference on an early race morning.
🎟
Free race entry
Anyone who helps out for the full event will receive entry to the value of the race volunteered at. Our way of saying thank you properly.
🤝
Community
Trail running runs on community. Volunteering is the best seat in the house — runners never forget the faces that kept them moving.
Volunteer roles
Aid station crew
Man one of our checkpoints along the course. Help runners refuel, record bib numbers, and give the encouragement they need to keep going. This is where the magic happens — tired runners transformed by a friendly face and a hot drink.
Start / finish team
Registration, bib handout, finish line support and results recording. You'll be the first and last face runners see on race day — make it count. A busy, buzzing, brilliant place to be.
Course marshal
Stationed at key junctions to direct runners and ensure safety at any road crossings. A crucial role that keeps everyone on track, on course, and moving safely through the island.
Course sweeper
Follow the final runners in, clearing course markings as you go. A great way to see the full route and support the tail-end heroes — the ones who often need the loudest cheers.
Three surnames beginning with M. One island. A shared belief that Guernsey's trails deserve extraordinary events.
Who we are
M3 Events was founded by three Guernsey runners who wanted to share the island's remarkable terrain with the wider running community. The M stands for each of our surnames — three people who've spent years running these cliffs, valleys and coastal paths, and decided it was time to invite everyone else along.
We're not a corporate events company. We're runners who happen to know how to put on a race. Every route is handpicked, every detail is considered, and every event is built to showcase what makes this island special.
Our events
We currently host two events: the Donkey Drop Out backyard ultra in August 2026, and the GU36 round-island ultra in May 2027. More events are in the pipeline — sign up to our mailing list to be first to hear.
Get in touch
Questions about an event? Want to discuss sponsorship or partnership? We'd love to hear from you.
Please read the following terms carefully. By entering any M3 Events race you are confirming your acceptance of these conditions.
These terms and conditions apply to all entrants participating in the M3 Events race series. Completion of an entry form or purchase of any entry acknowledges acceptance of these terms.
1
The participant is fully responsible for their actions whilst attending any event. This includes the event HQ and the event course itself. M3 Events does not accept responsibility for the actions of the participant, nor the consequences of such actions.
2
Each participant upon signing the registration form agrees that they are physically and mentally capable of completing the race route they have signed up to do. If during the event they decide to change their route, they do so at their own risk and must inform a member of the M3 Events team upon their return.
3
The event registration form must be completed by a person aged 18 or over. Evidence of age may be requested. Participants under the age of 18 will be allowed to participate but must be accompanied by a participating adult who will be responsible for them. A parent or guardian must sign the registration form on behalf of the underage participant.
4
The participant confirms that the kit they have chosen to wear during the event is suitable and sufficient to complete the longest route, regardless of whether this is the chosen route or not.
5
During the events, there will be warning signs at appropriate points throughout the route. The absence of these signs does not signal there are no dangers approaching — it is the decision of the participant to decide whether to continue on a section or not.
6
Due to the nature of the events, some terrain will be uneven or slippery. It is down to the participant to decide whether they will proceed on that section or not.
7
Any marked route is shown for guidance only and M3 Events does not insist that you use the route shown. If the participant chooses to proceed on a section that is not marked, to avoid any obstacles or sections they believe are beyond their capabilities, they do so entirely at their own risk.
8
M3 Events reserves the right to shorten or adjust the published route at any time. Participants do not have the right to claim a refund if the route has been shortened.
9
Participants must be considerate to other users of footpaths or roads. Upon encountering other users — such as walkers or horse riders — participants are required to pass with care. Where appropriate, participants should stop and wait at the side to allow other users to pass safely.
10
Each participant is fully responsible for any fees or costs incurred arising from an accident. This includes, but is not exclusive to, police, air ambulance, fire and rescue, and the ambulance service. If the participant is not able to make the decision to call the emergency services, they agree that a member of the M3 Events team or a member of the public may call for them. The participant still accepts the costs incurred and the consequences of such actions.
11
Each participant agrees to assign and grant the right and give permission for M3 Events to use and publish any photographs, films, or videos taken at any M3 Events activity. The participant releases M3 Events from any and all liability from such use and promotion, and authorises the reproduction, sale, copyright, exhibit, broadcast, electronic storage, and distribution of said material without limitation. The participant specifically waives any right to compensation for appearing in any photographs or videos at an M3 Events event.
12
If the participant is unable to complete an event they agree to call or return to the event HQ and report to a member of the M3 Events team.
13
If you cannot make a race, we are happy to transfer you to another race of equal or lesser value of your choice. You must notify us before the transfer cut-off date stated on the event page. The race you are transferring into must have capacity. We cannot transfer you out of a race if it is sold out unless we have at least 7 days' prior notice of the event, as we may have a reserve list in operation. After this point, we can no longer replace your entry.
14
If you have registered on behalf of someone else, by accepting these terms and conditions you are responsible for making them aware of the terms and are accepting them on their behalf.
15
Entry fees cannot be refunded under any circumstances.
16
M3 Events reserves the right to cancel any event due to extreme weather conditions. In such an event, each participant's entry will be transferred to a rescheduled date. If a participant cannot make the new date, they may carry their entry to another event within the same series. No refunds will be issued.
17
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