US Trending News: What You Need to Know About the Backyard Ultra Marathon in 2025

The Backyard Ultra Marathon, a unique and grueling ultramarathon format, has captured the attention of runners and media alike. In 2025, the event reached new heights with Phil Gore’s historic victory at the Big’s Backyard Ultra World Championship. This article explores the origins, rules, and significance of the Backyard Ultra, as well as its growing popularity and the challenges faced by participants.

The Origins of the Backyard Ultra

The Backyard Ultra was created in 2012 by Gary “Lazarus Lake” Cantrell, a renowned ultramarathoner known for his work on the Barkley Marathons. The concept was born from a desire to host a fun race for friends on his 140-acre farm. The original Backyard Ultra takes place in Bell Buckle, Tennessee, where runners complete a loop of the woods every hour during the day and switch to an out-and-back route on the road at night.

The race is designed to be a last-runner-standing event, with no predefined finish line. The winner is determined by being the last person to complete a lap. This format has gained popularity worldwide, with events held in 43 countries.

How the Backyard Ultra Works

Runners must complete a 4.1666-mile loop in less than one hour. After each lap, they have time to recover before starting the next hour. The race continues until only one runner remains. There is no set distance, as the goal is to see who can run the most laps.

The race is known for its mental and physical challenges. Participants often face sleep deprivation, hallucinations, and extreme fatigue. Despite these challenges, the Backyard Ultra has become a popular event among ultrarunners.

The 2025 Big’s Backyard Ultra World Championship

In 2025, the Big’s Backyard Ultra World Championship took place in Bell Buckle, Tennessee. Australian firefighter Phil Gore emerged victorious after running 114 hours and 475 miles. His win came after a hard-fought battle with Belgium’s Ivo Steyaert and American runners Jon Noll and Harvey Lewis.

Gore’s success was built on his experience and speed. He averaged just over 11 minutes per mile, allowing him to rest and refuel between laps. His performance set a new world record for the Backyard Ultra, surpassing his previous record of 119 laps (496 miles) set in June 2025.

Women’s Record Broken

Sarah Perry, a British fell runner, set a new women’s world record at the 2025 Big’s Backyard Ultra. She completed 95 laps (395.8 miles), surpassing the previous record of 84 laps set by Megan Eckert. Perry’s achievement highlights the growing participation of women in the sport.

Perry faced numerous challenges, including fluctuating temperatures and inclement weather. Despite these obstacles, she found a “flow state” that allowed her to push through the pain and achieve her goal.

The Role of Mental and Physical Preparation

Training for a Backyard Ultra requires a unique approach. Runners must build endurance, practice pacing, and develop mental resilience. The race demands consistency, specificity, and the ability to manage fatigue over extended periods.

Experts like ultrarunning coach Veronica Leeds emphasize the importance of simulating race conditions during training. This includes practicing transitions, fueling strategies, and managing sleep. Strength training and cross-training are also essential components of a successful training plan.

The Future of the Backyard Ultra

As the Backyard Ultra continues to grow in popularity, it is clear that the event will remain a significant part of the ultrarunning community. With new records being set and more participants joining each year, the Backyard Ultra is poised to inspire even more runners in the years to come.

Conclusion

The Backyard Ultra Marathon is a testament to human endurance and determination. Its unique format and challenging nature have attracted runners from around the world. As the sport continues to evolve, the Backyard Ultra will undoubtedly remain a key event in the ultrarunning calendar.

Stay updated with the latest news and developments in the world of ultrarunning. Explore today’s headlines and discover what’s happening in the world of endurance sports.

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Sources:

– BackyardUltra.com

– Outside Magazine

– Runner’s World

Internal Links:

– Mental Preparation for Backyard Ultra

– Backyard Ultra Gear Guide

– Backyard Ultra Nutrition Strategy

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– [Phil Gore crossing the finish line at the 2025 Big’s Backyard Ultra]

– [Sarah Perry celebrating her record-breaking performance]

– [Runners training for a Backyard Ultra]

– [A group of runners preparing for a Backyard Ultra]

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