Trial event · Sun, 27 September 2026 · Allmend Zollikon

Kids Backyard Ultra 🏃‍♀️🏃

Zollikon

Want to test your stamina? Want to jog for longer than your parents can? And have loads of fun while doing it? Then come to the Kids Backyard Ultra in Zollikon.

I'm in! 🎉
Forest path on the Allmend Zollikon

It's this easy 🌟

Don't worry, this is not a tough race. We set off gently, almost like a brisk walk.

1
🌳

One lap on the Allmend

The lap is about 500 metres long and runs across the Allmend Zollikon. You'll manage that easily on foot!

2
🔔

A fresh start every 5 minutes

Every lap begins for everyone at the same time. At the start you have 5 minutes per lap. Over time the limit gets a little shorter, so the race doesn't last forever.

3
😮‍💨

A short break included

Whoever finishes a lap sooner has time until the next start to catch their breath, drink and recover.

4
👏

Stopping is okay

Don't feel like going on? Then you get a big round of applause. Stopping is not losing!

Who keeps going the longest? 🏆

Wide meadow with a few trees in the evening light
  • ⏱️ At the start, 5 minutes per lap is nice and relaxed.
  • 🐢 Only after two hours does it get a little quicker.
  • 👑 Whoever keeps running the longest is crowned the «Last Kid Standing».
  • 🎈 But we celebrate every child, whether 5 laps or 20!

Good to know 🎒

A few things for you and your parents.

📍
Where?Allmend Zollikon, Brunnen picnic area
🕙
When?Sunday, 27 September 2026, start at 10:00
🎂
For whom?All children aged 3 to 15
🌭
FoodCervelat off the grill, fruit and water
🏅
MedalEvery child gets one!
💰
CostAbout 10 francs per child
The Allmend Zollikon, where we run Wide meadows on the Allmend Zollikon View over Zollikon Autumn mood at the Oberes Lindenbänkli
Trial event 🧪

A trial run first – be part of it!

The first proper Kids Backyard Ultra is planned for autumn 2027. To make sure everything runs smoothly then, we are holding a trial first on Sunday, 27 September 2026.

We look forward to every single participant! It's quite possible that not everything will run perfectly yet – that's simply part of a trial.

The trial will go ahead if at least 10 children have registered.

Questions from you and your parents 💬

I'm not sporty at all. Is this still something for me?

Yes, absolutely! We start at walking pace. You may stop whenever you like. Stopping is not losing, it's completely fine.

So how long do I run for?

That's different for every child. Most run between 30 minutes and 2 hours. Some manage 5 laps, some 20, a few even more than 40. Anything is good!

And if it rains?

Rain is part of a forest run, we'll have fun anyway. Only in really extreme weather like a thunderstorm or ice do we call it off. We decide that on the Friday evening before.

Can my parents come along?

Yes! They can cheer, take photos and help at the grill or at the turnaround. For children under 8, a parent may even run along as a companion.

Do I really get a medal?

Every child gets a medal. On top of that there are prizes per age group and a «Last Kid Standing» trophy.

The Kids Backyard rules 📋

For the older kids and everyone who wants to know exactly how it works.

  1. One lap measures about 500 metres.
  2. The time limit per lap changes from hour to hour:
    • Hours 1 and 2: 5:00 minutes per lap
    • Hour 3: 4:30 minutes per lap
    • Hour 4: 4:00 minutes per lap
    • Hour 5: 3:30 minutes per lap
    • Hour 6: 3:00 minutes per lap
    • from hour 7: 2:30 minutes per lap
  3. Every new lap begins exactly when the time limit runs out.
  4. 30 seconds before each start a whistle sounds.
  5. All kids start exactly when the bell rings. Whoever doesn't start on time is out.
  6. Every lap must be completed within the given time limit, including the last lap.
  7. The kids may not leave the course until the lap is complete.
  8. No personal assistance is allowed during a lap.
  9. Slower kids must let faster kids pass.
  10. The race ends with the finish of the last completed lap of the last child.
  11. Anyone caught littering is also out (DNF).

Are you in? 🎉

Register your child here. Registration is free and without obligation. Let your parents know and feel free to pass the invitation on to other families!

We collect your child's name, year of birth, gender and address only to organise the event. The details are not passed on to anyone.

Who's behind it? 👋

Patrice Neff

Patrice Neff

Organiser

Father of two children in Zollikon and a passionate runner.

Ezra

Ezra

Co-organiser

Primary school kid, crazy about football and a budding trail runner. Personal best: 27 km at the Witikon Backyard Rookies.

Zoë

Zoë

Co-organiser

Primary school student and a future chef who will help us stock the buffet. Personal best: 7 km at the Witikon Backyard Rookies.

🙌

Want to help out?

Helpers wanted

An event for so many children only works together. Whether setting up and taking down, at the grill, counting laps or cheering: we're hugely grateful for every helping hand.

I'd love to help! 🙋