2.2. Kent Backyard Ultra Series - Volunteer Information

Event: 2.2. Dover
Saturday 10th January 2027

Join the Crew

Join the team that helps create the Backyard Ultra experience for runners of all abilities.

Hellfire Events isn’t your standard event organiser, and the Kent Backyard Ultra Series isn’t your standard running event.

This is something you step into.

As a volunteer, you’re not on the sidelines.
You’re part of the Crew.

What You’re Stepping Into

The Kent Backyard Ultra Series isn’t a typical race.

It’s simple on paper:

• 4.167 miles every hour
• Start on the hour
• Finish within 60 minutes to stay in
• Miss the bell and you’re done

But what happens out there is something else.

People arrive with a plan.
Some stick to it. Most don’t.

You’ll see big efforts.
You’ll see tough moments.
You’ll see people go further than they thought they could.

And you’ll be part of the experience that makes that possible.

Your Role on the Day

You step into a clear role. No confusion.

You’ll be part of one of two teams:

Race Control

• Welcoming and checking in runners
• Supporting them between yards
• Keeping the space calm and organised
• Being there when people need a steady presence

Course Ops

• Positioned out on the route
• Guiding runners safely
• Watching key points and hazards
• Keeping an eye on runners as fatigue builds

This is an active, safety-critical role.
You are part of the Crew responsible for keeping the event moving safely.

What We Ask From You

Nothing complicated.

• Be present
• Be positive
• Look out for people
• Speak up if something doesn’t feel right

You don’t need to have all the answers.
You just need to step in, pay attention, and care.

Shift Expectations

This event doesn’t run to a set finish time.

It keeps going until it ends.

We try to be as flexible as possible.

We split the Crew into two teams and ask that you commit to a 6, 9, or 12 hour shift.

If you want to stay longer, just let us know.
The longer you stay, the more you become part of it.

It’s not unusual for people to stay for the full event, with plenty of breaks built in.

Event Timeline

To give you a clear picture of what you’re stepping into:

• 09:00 Friday – Set-up begins at our storage unit in Dover
• 10:00 Friday – Set-up begins on site at Dover
• 06:00 Saturday – Participants begin to arrive
• 09:00 Saturday – Event starts
• Through the night and into Sunday – The event continues
• The record for this event is 28 hours

We need Crew support across this entire period.

The later it gets, the more it matters.

What You Get Back

This isn’t about what you take.

It’s about what you help create.

You’ll be part of something that matters to the people taking part.
Moments they’ll remember long after the event is over.

That’s the real reward.

Alongside that, we’ll look after you:

• Fully transferable event credit (12 hours is equivalent to a full Backyard Ultra experience)
• Priority access to future opportunities, including sold-out events
• A place within the Crew
• The chance to meet like-minded people and build real friendships
• A volunteer medal
• Drinks and snacks during your shift

And if you keep showing up…

Reach 100 volunteer hours and you’ll step into a Community Leader role, with additional opportunities and perks.

The Culture

This matters.

What we’re building only works if the right people are part of it.

• No egos
• No cliques
• No one left out

Everyone plays a part.

You step in.
You support each other.
You look out for the runners.

That’s what makes it work.

Once You’ve Signed Up

Our Crew Coordinator will be in touch to understand your availability for the weekend and which role you’d prefer.

You’ll also be added to the group chat, where you can connect with the Crew and ask any questions.

Before You Arrive

You’ll receive:

• Your role and briefing
• Key timings and arrival details
• Contact details for the team

Everything you need, before you get there.

We’re not a training manual kind of organisation.

Most roles are simple enough to pick up on the day.
And for everything else, you won’t be far from a Community Leader who’s there to guide you.

Most of our volunteers come back time and again.
You’re never far from someone who can help.

If you’re unsure about anything, just ask.

If you have any questions, you can ask in the group chat and one of our Community Leaders will help you.
Or you can contact our dedicated Crew Coordinator at crew@hellfireevents.com

What It’s Like

Runners decide how far they go.

You help create the space for that to happen.

Most volunteers plan for 12 hours.
Nearly everyone stays longer.

Not because they have to.
Because they want to.

There’s an emotional connection to the event.
To the runners.
To the moments you become part of.

They’ll tell you it’s tough.
They’ll tell you it’s rewarding.
And in many cases, it becomes its own kind of endurance event.

You help them decide their story.

And remember…

It’s always earned.
Never given.