The Inaugural

The first ever backyard ultra in Northern Victoria. On September 9, 26 runners toed the start line to see if their best could be THE BEST on the day. 

Battling strong winds and rain, they lined up hour after hour to start again.

Matt Dube won the inaugural event with 31 yards, assisted by Phil Ryan.

The second event held around the picturesque Victoria Park Lake in Shepparton saw a massive increase in size. A huge arena was filled with 76 runners and their crews; ready to go all weekend. Matt Dube took out the win for the second year running with 34 yards, assisted by David Patterson.

The first round of the backyard trial series in Wodonga saw 23 runners commence at 9am on an already very hot day. With temperatures soaring, everyone took full advantage of the ice buckets and cold drinks at the aid station. In the end, 7 runners completed the whole 8 yards.

Round 2 of the Trial Series saw 27 runners from all over Victoria descend on Crusoe Reservoir in Big Hill for a very scenic, trail based backyard event. The vast majority of runners were first timers, and loved their day. Many runners noting that they have not run more than marathons in the past, then pushed past that.

Round 3 of the Trial Series saw 22 runners from all over Victoria, and even one from Tasmania head to the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail, just north of Wangaratta to tackle a mentally complex course. The complexity based on how dead straight the trail was in this out and back run.

14 runners completed all 8 yards.

The final round of the Trial Series was held in Echuca on the scenic trails along the mighty Murray River. A beautiful course that emcompassed some trail, and some pavement. 26 runners started, with 14 completing the 8 hours.