Burman Bush Backyard Marathon 2025

Burman bush gates open at 6am and close again at 6pm. That’s 12 hours.

Here’s a list of things that I think I’ll need for the day and why. The Food is a bit tricky as I normally wouldn’t have too much to eat for the distance I think I’m going to cover but because the format is different and the time is much longer than I’ve been out for before, I’m not sure what to expect.

So much of my comfort and strength in running has been dependent on how I fuelled my body. This is an area I’m still learning about.

Okay, here’s my list 👇

What I need for the day

• [ ]  Headlamp. 6am is pre-sunrise and the sunsets at 17:15 so it will be dark in parts of the bush
• [ ]  Toilet paper. It’s a long day. Even though there are toilets in Burman Bush I’m never sure if there’s paper so … Better be prepared
• [ ]  Change of socks and top: The weather forecasts rain for Friday and early morning Saturday. The bush will be muddy and having a clean pair of socks for later in the day may make a big difference for comfort.
• [ ] Battery banks and cables
  • [ ] 2 x Battery Banks (I think this will be overkill but I’m going to attempt to livestream and this may use more battery than I’m used to)
  • [ ] iPhone charger cable
  • [ ] USBC charger cable (for DJI Cam)
  • [ ] Spare battery for DJI cam
• [ ] Long-sleeve Running Top
• [ ] Running Jacket
• [ ] Hoddie for in-between loops
• [ ] Blanket – a small one
• [ ] Camping chair
• [ ]  Food (don’t overdo it. Also, don’t under-do it
  • [ ] Hydration
    • [ ] 5lt water (2lt will probably be enough)
    • [ ] 2 x Powerade
    • [ ] Salt water (Sodium)
    • [ ] 1lt Coke
    • [ ] Salt tabs or salt (non-iodated)
  • [ ] Carbs
    • [ ] Mashed potatoes
    • [ ] Rolls
    • [ ] Cheese
    • [ ] Chocolate

The distance I think I’d cover given the time is between 30km and 36km. This is just based on the time that I have available from when the gates open to when they close.

The route is about 3km and can take up to 50 minutes to complete. The grass has just been cut so I’m assuming the trail has been maintained as well which should make running a bit easier and I could potentially do a lap in 40 minutes, maybe a bit less.

This image was on a day when the trail hadn’t been maintained for a while and it was the thick of summer when everything grows really quickly. I could barely see the actual trail while making my way through was it high grass.

In winter, that’s never an issue.

Explore the GPX file

What do you think I should have with me on the day?

Send me a WhatsApp to let me know your thoughts

http://wa.me/27774905666