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Against All Odds: A Runner’s Relentless Road to the Backyard Ultra
By Hennie Lacock This is a story that starts way after the story actually played out. This story starts when I saw a photo of myself where in an instant, I was filled with the most overwhelming emotions, reliving exactly what I was going through at that time and seeing the photo – it just hit me that the photo looks exactly the way it felt. Earlier in the year, the legendary Johan Bronkhorst informed me that there is some sort of special Backyard Ultra on the horizon and that it may be held in Swakopmund. Without knowing any details whatsoever – I immediately knew that I wanted to be…
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BBU 2025 Newsletter 1
BBU 2025 is Officially SOLD OUT – and We’re Just Getting Started! We’re super happy to announce that BBU 2025 has sold out in record time! The buzz is real, the excitement is contagious, and we can’t wait to welcome each and every one of you to the Brandberg for what promises to be an unforgettable adventure. What makes this event truly special is YOU – our incredible community. We have a full spectrum of runners joining us: from course record holders, past winners, and die-hard supports (the legends that carry the winner to the last lap), to first-timers, fun runners, marathoners, and everyone in between. This is that kind of event – where everyone shines in their own…
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Backyard Ultra World Team Championships 2024
Namibia Secures Golden Ticket to the Backyard Ultra World Championships in Tennessee, USA 19 October 2024 Team Namibia has officially claimed a coveted Golden Ticket to the Backyard Ultra World Championships in Tennessee, USA, following their impressive performance at the Backyard Ultra World Team Championships hosted at Gecko Ridge Lodge. Competing alongside 63 countries in real-time, Namibia’s top endurance athletes displayed immense grit, teamwork, and dedication to secure a place among the top 50 teams worldwide. The Backyard Ultra is a unique format where runners must complete a 6.7 km loop on the hour, everyhour until only one runner remains. The event, which began at 2 pm in Namibia to…
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2024 Brandberg Backyard Ultra Event Report
This past weekend, the tranquil town of Uis came alive with the energy and determination of ultra-runners from all over as they gathered for the 2024 Brandberg Backyard Ultra. The event, held from August 2 to 5, saw a record-breaking number of participants and some truly outstanding performances. Race Highlights The event kicked off at 8 am on a cool, wind-still morning at the Brandberg Rest Camp, which hosted the race village. Runners were thankful for the cooler conditions and a slight breeze that picked up later in the day. A total of 139 runners entered the race: 53 for the full ultra, 53 for the challenge (up to 6…
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Brandberg Backyard Ultra: News Release, 13 June 2024
The eagerly anticipated Brandberg Backyard Ultra (BBU) is back for its third annual instalment, set to take place on the weekend of August 3rd with the Brandberg Rest Camp in Uis as start/finish venue. Nestled at the foot of the majestic Brandberg Mountain, Uis offers not only a breathtaking backdrop for this unique race but also the warm hospitality of its friendly residents. The Brandberg Backyard Ultra has quickly become a key event on the running calendars of top long-distance runners. Its unique format and the stunning location of Uis, coupled with the community’s hospitable spirit, make it an unforgettable experience for both participants and spectators. What is a Backyard…
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2023 Results Brandberg Backyard Ultra
4 August, 2023. This past weekend saw a very successful second running of the Brandberg Backyard in Uis despite bitterly cold conditions. André Ross (51) from Swakopmund, the 2022 reigning champion, completed 18 laps and 120 km, and was again crowned the last person standing after Milton Kimbini (46) conceded after 17 laps (114 km). Kirsty Brits (43) was the last lady to tap out after she completed 13 laps (87 km). In a backyard ultra race, athletes need to complete a lap of a 6.706 km course every hour, starting on top of the hour. Should they make it back before the hour is up, they use the remaining…
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Brandberg Backyard Ultra Newsletter 2, 20 July 2023
Dear Brandberg Backyarders, It is almost time! Hope you are well and tapering and getting ready for a lovely weekend of kuier and running! What we hear from those who are in the know is that there will be a lot of running and not any sleeping … We are ready! Please remember to book your dinners before 23 July. No meals will be available for purchase on the weekend. In this newsletter you will find important information relating to: This newsletter, as well as newsletter 1 (10 July) will also be available on the website under NEWS for quick reference. 1. Weekend Schedule and Checklist Please see the schedule for the…
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Brandberg Backyard Ultra Newsletter 1, 10 July 2023
Dear Brandberg Backyard Friends,In three weeks’ time, the second Brandberg Backyard Ultra will take place in Uis on 29 July and it promises to be a big one! With this newsletter, we would like to: 1. EntriesWe have extended the entries so there are a few spots left for those who still haven’t entered. A limited number of technical event shirts are also still available, but sizes can’t be guaranteed any longer. Please head over to the website to secure your as soon as possible www.namibiaultratrails.com 2. Meals on Race Weekend.Dinner and breakfast tickets are not part of event entries and are sold separately here, via this form. Runners and…
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André’s Backyard Ultra Lessons
In a month’s time, we will be welcoming our intrepid distance runners back to Uis for the second Brandberg Backyard Ultra! To get you yard-ready, we asked André Ross, the winner of the 2022 Brandberg Backyard Ultra, to share some of the lessons he learned during the previous event. “This is for me one of the best races I’ve ever run. Not so much so about the win, but because of the experience and personal lessons gained. So here they are.
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Brandberg Backyard Ultra 2022: Race Recap
This past weekend saw a very successful inaugural Brandberg Backyard Ultra take place in Uis. André Ross, the 50-year-old Swakopmunder, completed 20 laps and 134 km and was crowned the last person standing after Frans Amakali (41) conceded by 19 laps. Kirsty Brits (42) was the last lady to clock out after she completed 8 laps (54 km). In a backyard ultra race, athletes need to complete a lap of 6.706 km course every hour, starting on top of the hour. Should they make it back before the hour is up, they use the remaining time to rest before the next lap starts exactly on top of the following hour.…
