Guardian

No time for sleep or a shower: endurance runner covers 764km over five gruelling days to win world title

Reuters

Gore completes 475 miles to win Backyard Ultra world championship

Australian firefighter Phil Gore on Thursday won the 2025 Backyard Ultra World Championship in Bell Buckle, Tennessee, completing 114 laps of a 6.7-kilometer course for a total distance of 764 kilometers over nearly five days of competition.

Australian firefighter Phil Gore on Thursday won the 2025 Backyard Ultra World Championship in Bell Buckle, Tennessee, completing 114 laps of a 6.7-kilometer course for a total distance of 764 kilometers over nearly five days of competition.

The backyard ultra format requires participants to complete a 4.167-mile loop every hour on the hour until only one runner remains standing. Elimination occurs if a runner fails to finish within the allotted time.

BroBible

The backyard ultra format requires participants to complete a 4.167-mile loop every hour on the hour until only one runner remains standing. Elimination occurs if a runner fails to finish within the allotted time.

Gore previously established a world record of 119 laps covering 797 kilometers at the Dead Cow Gully event in Queensland earlier in 2024, making him both world champion and record holder in the backyard ultra discipline.

Canadian Running

Gore previously established a world record of 119 laps covering 797 kilometers at the Dead Cow Gully event in Queensland earlier in 2024, making him both world champion and record holder in the backyard ultra discipline.

Belgian runner Ivo Steyaert finished second after completing 113 laps before dropping out, while British runner Sarah Perry set a new women's world record by completing 95 laps totaling 637 kilometers.

7NEWS

Runner's World

Belgian runner Ivo Steyaert finished second after completing 113 laps before dropping out, while British runner Sarah Perry set a new women's world record by completing 95 laps totaling 637 kilometers.

Gore completed his final lap in 37 minutes, after running for over 114 hours with minimal rest, sleep or opportunities for personal hygiene during the multi-day competition.

Perth is OK

Gore completed his final lap in 37 minutes, after running for over 114 hours with minimal rest, sleep or opportunities for personal hygiene during the multi-day competition.

Following his victory, Gore expressed exhaustion and confusion from the ordeal, stating he might retire from backyard ultras to pursue other challenges.

abc.net.au

Following his victory, Gore expressed exhaustion and confusion from the ordeal, stating he might retire from backyard ultras to pursue other challenges.

Guardian #1

Reuters #0

Australian firefighter Phil Gore won the 2025 Backyard Ultra World Championship in Bell Buckle, Tennessee, completing 114 laps of a 6.7-kilometer course for a total distance of 764 kilometers over nearly five days of competition.</span

Reuters #

Guardian #2014

Australian firefighter Phil Gore won the 2025 Backyard Ultra World Championship in Bell Buckle, Tennessee, completing 114 laps of a 6.7-kilometer course for a total distance of 764 kilometers over nearly five days of competition.

The backyard ultra format requires participants to complete a 4.167-mile loop every hour on the hour until only one runner remains standing, with elimination occurring if a runner fails to finish within the allotted time.</span

BroBible #

The backyard ultra format requires participants to complete a 4.167-mile loop every hour on the hour until only one runner remains standing, with elimination occurring if a runner fails to finish within the allotted time.

Gore previously established a world record of 119 laps covering 797 kilometers at the Dead Cow Gully event in Queensland earlier in 2024, making him both world champion and record holder in the backyard ultra discipline.</span

Canadian Running #

Belgian runner Ivo Steyaert finished second after completing 113 laps before dropping out, while British runner Sarah Perry set a new women's world record by completing 95 laps totaling 637 kilometers.</span

7NEWS #

Runner's World #

Gore completed his final lap in 37 minutes, demonstrating remarkable endurance after running for over 114 hours with minimal rest, sleep or opportunities for personal hygiene during the multi-day competition.</span

Perth is OK #

Gore completed his final lap in 37 minutes, demonstrating remarkable endurance after running for over 114 hours with minimal rest, sleep or opportunities for personal hygiene during the multi-day competition.

Following his victory, Gore expressed exhaustion and confusion from the ordeal, stating he might retire from backyard ultras to pursue other challenges, while his wife noted his need for a shower after the event.</span

abc.net.au #

Following his victory, Gore expressed exhaustion and confusion from the ordeal, stating he might retire from backyard ultras to pursue other challenges, while his wife noted his need for a shower after the event.

The Backyard Ultra's explosive global growth proves its incredible appeal, with national champions jumping from 37 countries in 2023 to 61 in 2025. This authentic format has captured runners worldwide from Taiwan to Kenya to Bolivia, creating unprecedented international participation. The venue's 75-runner limit forces tough decisions that highlight just how massively successful this grassroots event has become.

The Backyard Ultra's explosive global growth proves its incredible appeal, with national champions jumping from 37 countries in 2023 to 61 in 2025. This authentic format has captured runners worldwide from Taiwan to Kenya to Bolivia, creating unprecedented international participation. The venue's 75-runner limit forces tough decisions that highlight just how massively successful this grassroots event has become.</span

Born on the Trail

Born on the Trail #

Is the Future of Backyard Ultras Niche or Global?

Backyard Ultras revolutionize running by creating true equality where elite speed means nothing and endurance is everything. The format lets back-of-the-pack runners experience front-runner treatment with constant cheering, fresh coffee and grilled food every loop. This democratic approach strips away traditional advantages and proves that mental toughness matters more than natural talent.

Backyard Ultras revolutionize running by creating true equality where elite speed means nothing and endurance is everything. The format lets back-of-the-pack runners experience front-runner treatment with constant cheering, fresh coffee and grilled food every loop. This democratic approach strips away traditional advantages and proves that mental toughness matters more than natural talent.</span

Runner's Life

Runner's Life #

Backyard Ultras Even the Playing Field

Australian Firefighter Wins Backyard Ultra World Championship

Sports

In Lazarus Lake's humble Tennessee backyard, runners from around the world chase endless loops of endurance. Yet the field grows faster than the yard can hold — from 37 countries in 2023 to 61 in 2025. The charm of this small, storied space now strains against global ambition. Soon, something must give — either the place or the spirit.

In Lazarus Lake's humble Tennessee backyard, runners from around the world chase endless loops of endurance. Yet the field grows faster than the yard can hold — from 37 countries in 2023 to 61 in 2025. The charm of this small, storied space now strains against global ambition. Soon, something must give — either the place or the spirit.

Backyard Ultras revolutionize running by creating true equality where elite speed means nothing and endurance is everything. The format lets back-of-the-pack runners experience front-runner treatment with constant cheering, fresh coffee and grilled food every loop. This democratic approach strips away traditional advantages and proves that mental toughness matters more than natural talent.

Australian Firefighter Wins Backyard Ultra World Championship

Australian Firefighter Wins Backyard Ultra World Championship

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Australian Firefighter Wins Backyard Ultra World Championship

Australian Firefighter Wins Backyard Ultra World Championship

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