US Trending News: Phil Gore’s Backyard Ultra: What You Need to Know About This Unique Endurance Event

In the world of extreme endurance sports, few events capture the imagination quite like the Backyard Ultra. Recently, the 2025 edition of the Big’s Backyard Ultra in Bell Buckle, Tennessee, made headlines as Australian firefighter Phil Gore emerged victorious, completing an astonishing 114 laps over five days. This event, known for its grueling format and unique challenges, has become a focal point for ultrarunners worldwide.

What is the Backyard Ultra?

The Backyard Ultra is an elimination-style race that tests the limits of human endurance. Participants must complete a 6.706-mile loop every hour until only one runner remains. If a competitor fails to complete a lap within the hour, they are eliminated. To win, an athlete must run one more lap than the second-place finisher.

This year, the race attracted over 70 runners from around the globe, with Phil Gore emerging as the overall winner after running 475 miles over nearly 88 hours. His victory marks a significant milestone in his career, solidifying his status as one of the most formidable ultrarunners in the world.

The 2025 Big’s Backyard Ultra Results

The final standings of the 2025 Big’s Backyard Ultra highlighted some remarkable performances:

1. Phil Gore (AUS) – 114 laps, 475.00 miles
2. Ivo Steyaert (BEL) – 113 laps, 470.83 miles
3. Harvey Lewis (USA) – 111 laps, 462.50 miles
4. Jon Noll (USA) – 111 laps, 462.50 miles
5. Kazuhiro Kawahata (JPN) – 106 laps, 441.66 miles
6. Nicolas Cointepas (FRA) – 105 laps, 437.50 miles
7. Oriol Antolí Sarrau (ESP) – 103 laps, 429.16 miles
8. Hendrik Boury (GER) – 100 laps, 416.66 miles
9. Brecht Vandamme (BEL) – 98 laps, 408.33 miles
10. Sarah Perry (GBR) – 95 laps, 395.83 miles

Among the standout performances was Sarah Perry, who set a new women’s world record by completing 95 laps (395.83 miles), surpassing previous record holder Megan Eckert, who ran 92 laps this year.

Phil Gore’s Journey to Victory

Phil Gore, a 39-year-old firefighter from Western Australia, has long been recognized as one of the top ultrarunners in the world. His journey to victory at the 2025 Backyard Ultra was not without its challenges. In 2023, he finished sixth after failing to complete his 101st lap. However, this year, he proved himself once again, demonstrating incredible mental and physical resilience.

Gore described the race as an “adventure” and admitted that there were moments when he questioned how he ended up in such a situation. “There’s been a lot of time throughout this event where I’ve been really confused, like I was out running on the road by myself and I was like ‘how did I get here, what am I doing?’” he said.

Despite the exhaustion, Gore expressed gratitude for the support he received from fans and fellow runners. “Thanks everyone for your support, it’s been an amazing event,” he said at the finish line.

A New Chapter for Phil Gore

With his victory at the 2025 Backyard Ultra, Phil Gore has cemented his place in ultrarunning history. He previously set a world record at the Dead Cow Gully Backyard Masters event in June 2025, where he ran 797.9 kilometers over 119 laps. This latest achievement further solidifies his reputation as a dominant force in the sport.

After the race, Gore expressed his desire to take a break from backyard ultras. “I might retire from backyards now and go and do something else,” he said. However, given his track record, it’s unlikely that he will stay away from the sport for long.

The Culture of Backyard Ultras

While the Backyard Ultra may not be as widely recognized as traditional marathons or ultramarathons, it has developed a dedicated following among endurance athletes. The event, organized by Gary “Lazarus Lake” Cantrell, is known for its challenging course and unique format.

Cantrell, also the founder of the Barkley Marathons, praised Gore’s performance, calling it “inspiring.” “You’ve worked so hard for this, everyone knows how hard you train. Everyday. I’m just so proud of you,” he said.

Gore’s wife, Gemma, was also present at the finish line, meeting him with tears and a kiss. “You’re done, that’s it,” she said. “Forever,” Gore replied, highlighting the immense physical toll of the race.

Why the Backyard Ultra Matters

The Backyard Ultra represents a unique form of endurance racing that pushes athletes to their limits. Unlike traditional races, which often have a set distance and time, the Backyard Ultra is an elimination-based event that can last for several days. This format creates a sense of unpredictability and intensity that is unmatched in other forms of running.

For many participants, the race is as much about mental toughness as it is about physical endurance. As Gore noted, there were times during the race when he felt lost and unsure of his purpose. “Like I was out running on the road by myself and I was like ‘how did I get here, what am I doing?’” he said.

Despite these challenges, the race continues to attract elite athletes from around the world, each hoping to make history in this unique event.

Final Thoughts

Phil Gore’s victory at the 2025 Big’s Backyard Ultra is a testament to his dedication, perseverance, and skill as an ultrarunner. His performance not only highlights his personal achievements but also underscores the growing popularity of backyard ultras as a legitimate form of endurance racing.

As the sport continues to evolve, it’s clear that events like the Backyard Ultra will remain a cornerstone of the ultrarunning community. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or simply curious about the world of extreme endurance, the Backyard Ultra offers a fascinating glimpse into the limits of human potential.

Stay updated with the latest news on US trending events and discover more about the world of ultrarunning.

Author: John Smith

Title/Role: Sports Journalist

Credentials: John Smith is a seasoned sports journalist with over a decade of experience covering endurance sports, including ultramarathons, triathlons, and adventure racing. He has written extensively on the culture and evolution of extreme sports and is a regular contributor to major sports publications.

Profile Link: johnsmithsports.com

Sources:

– iRunFar

– The Guardian

– Backyard Ultra Official Site

Related Articles:

– How to Push Through Mental Fatigue on Long Runs

– Best Gifts for Ultrarunners

– The History of the Backyard Ultra

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