Africa-Press – Namibia. UIS is set for the historic first Backyard Ultra in Namibia on 23 July, the organisers say
A form of ultra-marathon race, the Backyard Ultra is a race with no finish line.
Competitors are given one hour to run a loop of 6 706 metres, starting a new loop on top of the hour, every hour.
When each lap is completed, the remaining time within the hour can be used to eat and recover.
The winner of the race is the last person standing, meaning the last runner who can complete a single loop by themselves. After this final solo loop, the race ends.
Most backyarders are runners who participate for the love of running. They may want to push their own boundaries, train for longer races, test nutrition and gear, or just enjoy the perks of running in a pack with like-minded people for hours on end.
“Several incredibly talented long-distance runners have already entered, and everyone is excited to see what will unfold as they battle it out in this ‘race without a finish line’,” said the event’s co-director Riana Scholtz.
On a Backyard Ultra course, there needs to be at least two runners for the event to continue, so runners with big distance aspirations are also supportive and encouraging their fellow runners, Scholtz said.
“Runners who manage to do 24 loops (24 hours) will make it to the finalists’ list for a spot in the 2023 world championships at Big’s Backyard Ultra, the original event, in Tennessee in the United States,” she said.
The event is hosted by Namibia Ultra Trails and directed by Nico and Riana Scholtz, who have organised the Brandberg Rhino Run and Ride since 2015.
Rand Merchant Bank Namibia is the principal sponsor and presenting partner, while Save the Rhino Trust will again be the beneficiary of an auction to be held on race weekend.
Items such as accommodation packages from esteemed Namibian establishments will go on auction. Windhoek Lager is also on board, while the Brandberg Rest Camp at Uis will serve as the race venue, which will also prepare scrumptious meals for the weekend.
For More News And Analysis About Namibia Follow Africa-Press
