ENLISTMENT OPENS
0900 hrs - 1 July 2026
DEPLOYMENT
0900 hrs - Saturday, 23 January 2027
ENTRY
Soldier: $150
U18 Recruit: $90 - via email request
SPOTS: Limited to 150
M*A*S*H (Mobile Athlete’s Seaside Haven) Backyard Ultra is an endurance running event held at Queen Elizabeth Park over Wellington Anniversary Weekend.
Base Camp is established beside the Ramaroa Centre, Mackays Crossing — approximately 45km north of Wellington City.
The name M*A*S*H is drawn from the 1970s television series M*A*S*H, set within a Mobile Army Surgical Hospital — a temporary field unit operating under pressure, where resilience, teamwork, and a touch of humour were essential to enduring long days and longer nights.
That same spirit aligns with the Backyard Ultra format, where participants operate in extended, self-sufficient conditions under repeated time pressure.
The event also honours the U.S. Marines stationed at Queen Elizabeth Park between 1942–1944. In partnership with the Kapiti U.S. Marines Trust, proceeds support the restoration of on-site WWII exhibits.
MISSION
Complete one Lap (6.71km) within the hour.
Every hour, on the hour, a new Lap begins.
Return to the start line before the cut-off or you will be withdrawn from the operation.
The event continues until only one soldier remains — the last person standing, completing one more Lap than the field, is declared the winner.
TERRAIN
Coastal edge
Open paddocks
Historic Yankee Trail
Wetlands and kahikatea remnants
Ex-farm tracks
Approx. 80m elevation per Lap.
ORDERS
All soldiers are self-sufficient.
You are required to bring:
- Shelter
- Food
- Hydration
- All equipment required for extended field operations
PARTICIPATION
All abilities welcome.
Run one Lap or run deep — your mission is your own.
Crew are welcome and strongly encouraged to support soldiers, within the spirit of self-sufficiency.
ALLIED SUPPORT
No operation succeeds alone. M*A*S*H is proud to be backed by a valued group of sponsors and partners. Please scroll down and support the organisations that help bring this mission to life.
