MASH Backyard Ultra

Youth on the Front Line 🎯

In Year One, Private Ofri enlisted at just 15 and put 5 Laps in the bank.

He returned in 2026 - promoted to Corporal - and clocked up 7 Laps. That’s one more Lap than Mum, both times 😅

The 2027 muster is taking shape, and the next generation is stepping up once again.

Our two latest recruits are both under 18 - they’ll be just 15 and 16 when they report for duty in January.

The future of M*A*S*H looks pretty good from where we’re standing.

U18? Email us for a discounted entry.

The name M*A*S*H wasn't chosen by accident.

It's 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.

Over Wellington Anniversary Weekend, a different kind of temporary field unit appears at Queen Elizabeth Park.

Base Camp comes to life. Shelters go up. Coffee brews before dawn. Soldiers return to the start line hour after hour, supported by crew, community, and the shared understanding that everyone is facing the same mission.

The connection runs deeper still.

Between 1942 and 1944, more than 15,000 U.S. Marines were stationed at Queen Elizabeth Park as part of New Zealand's wartime contribution to the Pacific campaign.

Today, M*A*S*H Backyard Ultra returns to that same land, where a different kind of endurance is tested.

That's why M*A*S*H has always been more than a name.

It's a reflection of place, history, resilience, and community.

Become part of the story at M*A*S*H 2027
23 January · Wellington Anniversary Weekend

🪖 Whether you've already enlisted or you're considering joining the ranks, the M*A*S*H 2027 Field Manual is your go-to guide for race weekend.

Inside you'll find everything you need to know before deployment, including Base Camp logistics, race procedures, Squad rules, camping, facilities, and the Rules of Engagement.

📖 https://docs.google.com/document/d/1bvLo_myU5Aa05_PInaEx9aBVLj9SjKV7aahML-cNS34/edit?usp=drivesdk

We'll keep the Field Manual updated as new information becomes available, so be sure to check back before race weekend.

One mission. One more Yard.

Tomorrow, Base Camp begins to assemble once again. Some soldiers will be returning. Others will be reporting for duty for the very first time.

Over the coming months, stories will be shared, plans will be made, shelters will be packed, crew recruited, and missions imagined.

Then, on 23 January 2027, the operation begins.

M*A*S*H 2027 enlistment opens
0900 hrs – 1 July 2026
🔗 https://eventplus.net/MBU27

Limited to 150 soldiers.

New Zealand Backyard Ultra
His and Hers Events Ltd
Real Health Sports Nutrition
CMF Running
Trail Running NZ

Five months have passed since the final soldier stood down at M*A*S*H 2026.

Since then we've found ourselves revisiting photos, stories, and moments from the operation — the quiet determination, the unexpected breakthroughs, the friendships formed around Base Camp, and the simple act of returning to the start line one more time.

That's the thing about Backyard Ultra.

The laps eventually end, but the memories live on.

M*A*S*H 2027 enlistment opens
0900 hrs – 1 July 2026

New Zealand Backyard Ultra
Trail Running NZ

🪖🤝 Supply & Support Unit 🤝🪖

Every operation needs solid backing — and M*A*S*H 2026 was no exception.

A sincere thank you to our sponsors and partners who believed in the kaupapa, backed the vision, and helped turn a big idea into a fully functioning event.

That contribution came in many forms — council backing, coaching and nutrition input, media and communications support, gear and infrastructure loans, timing and operational delivery, food and hospitality partners, and generous businesses who contributed products and services for prizes.

It all mattered. And it all showed on the ground.

From setup through to ex*****on, your support strengthened the foundation, lifted the standard, and helped this event run with care, creativity, and intent.

Events like this are never built alone — they rely on trust, shared energy, and people willing to back something a little different.

Thank you for standing alongside us, and for helping shape what M*A*S*H is becoming 🤍




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🦸‍♂️🦸‍♀️ Backyard Heroes 🦸‍♂️🦸‍♀️ — Part 4/4

One final salute to our volunteer heroes — the calm, capable force behind M*A*S*H 2026. You showed up early, stayed late, adapted on the fly, and carried this operation from start to stand-down. It simply does not happen without you.

With heartfelt thanks, each volunteer will receive a sauna & cold plunge pass for two generously gifted by Run Pōneke, along with a discounted M*A*S*H 2027 entry should you be tempted to cross over (we (not so secretly) hope you don’t) 😉

Stand easy, team — you’ve more than earned it 🤍

📸 2 & 3 Dianna Thomson

🦸‍♂️🦸‍♀️ Backyard Heroes 🦸‍♂️🦸‍♀️ — Part 3/4

Some contributions don’t involve shifts or clipboards, but they shape the spirit of the whole operation.

A special salute to Jamie, who generously loaned us genuine military kit — including the iconic hat — helping bring the M*A*S*H identity to life. Those details matter. They added authenticity and atmosphere, elevating the experience for runners, crews, volunteers, and spectators alike.

We’re also indebted to Bengy @ Faultline Ultras, whose generous loan of event infrastructure underpinned this operation. Quiet support. Huge impact.

Thank you both for trusting us with your gear and helping M*A*S*H feel unmistakably M*A*S*H.

Heroes finale incoming…

📍 Situation Report 📍

We’ve heard a few whispers floating about, so let’s put this one to bed.

Yes — General and the fam have had a wee Island move, but we are still firmly at the helm. M*A*S*H isn’t going anywhere. The event remains exactly where it belongs, with the same kaupapa, the same backyard, and the encampment very much alive.

The next operation is locked in for 23 January 2027 — and beyond.

Now, back to recognising the heroes who made M*A*S*H 2026 what it was 🤍









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🦸‍♂️🦸‍♀️ Backyard Heroes 🦸‍♂️🦸‍♀️ — Part 2/4

Special commendation to Chris Lucas and Charlotte Milne of CMF Running — our official coaching partner — for their commitment that went far beyond the brief. From braving the rain to mark the course, through set-up and multi-role coverage across the weekend, to clearing the course — with Real Health Sports Nutrition also jumping in to help — they showed up wherever the need was greatest. Chris even managed to sneak in a few laps, then stepped straight into sharing regular live streams.

Calm under pressure, generous with their time, and relentlessly reliable, Chris and Charlotte embodied what this partnership was meant to be. Their contribution didn’t just support the event — it strengthened it 💯

Outstanding partnership. Mission critical.

📸 3. Dianna Thomson