Sport
27 September, 2022
New ultra-marathon runs through Tablelands
RUNNERS will be able to test their might, endurance and push their bodies to the utmost limit with a new ultra-marathon set to be held on the Tablelands at the end of October.
The Old Mates Backyard Ultra is a newly devised 6.7km loop running on 28 October through the picturesque but rough terrain of Old Mates Farm on the Tablelands.
Unlike other marathons, the Old Mates Backyard Ultra and other backyard ultras dotted around Australia do not have a finish line, the event continues until there is one runner left standing.
Race director Joshua Duff said the race has been scheduled for several days and will not end until there is one runner left, meaning the race could be going on for over 24 hours.
Much like a beep test, the race runs on an hourly timer and if a runner is not ready to go in the starting pack when the hour passes, they are out.
“Technically there is no end, you keep going until you cannot anymore – there is a start line but no finish line,” Mr Duff said.
“There has been some demand in Far North Queensland for a backyard ultra and we have been looking for a venue for the past 18 months or so.”
It was during a visit in April that Duff and his wife Salome found the perfect venue to host their new running event, Old Mates Farm, a perfect track with the right facilities to host the ultra-marathon.
While a niche market, the audience for backyard ultras is growing and the Old Mates Backyard Ultra will be the third to be held in Queensland, with the other two events in Brisbane and Nanango.
The duration of the Old Mates Backyard Ultra is entirely dependent on the runners, Duff says he is prepared to keep the event running for days.
“We will start at eight o’clock on the Saturday morning with the first lap and we just keep going until there is only one person left and that person is the last one standing and winner,” Duff said.
“We could be there just for the Saturday or we could be running for 24 plus hours, it all depends on the runners.
“Friday afternoon is when people can come, check in, set up their camping and get ready.”
Volunteers are being sought for the event to help set up the race and assist in its operations, for more information on the event and to register to race or volunteer, click the button below
Register Here
