{"id":1713,"date":"2026-07-29T08:02:26","date_gmt":"2026-07-29T08:02:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/namibiaultratrails.com\/?p=1713"},"modified":"2026-07-29T08:17:00","modified_gmt":"2026-07-29T08:17:00","slug":"5th-rmb-brandberg-backyard-ultra","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/namibiaultratrails.com\/index.php\/2026\/07\/29\/5th-rmb-brandberg-backyard-ultra\/","title":{"rendered":"Thank You for Making the 5th RMB Brandberg Backyard Ultra Unforgettable \u2b50"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

To our runners, sponsors, volunteers, conservation partners and the entire RMB Brandberg Backyard Ultra family,<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A weekend to remember<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Now that the dust has settled, the tents have been packed away and (most of us!) have finally caught up on some sleep, we wanted to take a moment to simply say thank you<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The 5th RMB Brandberg Backyard Ultra<\/strong> exceeded every expectation we had. From the first lap on Saturday morning until the final finish on Sunday morning, you made it a weekend that none of us will forget.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This year’s event saw 74 Ultra runners<\/strong> (44 men and 30 women), 85 Challenge runners<\/strong> and 44 Fun Runners<\/strong> take part.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

By the numbers<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The numbers in the Ultra category tell an interesting story. Our 30 women<\/strong> completed a combined 248 laps (1,663.09 km)<\/strong>, averaging 8.3 laps (55.6 km)<\/strong> per runner, while our 54 men<\/strong> completed 471 laps (3,158.53 km)<\/strong>, averaging 8.7 laps (58.4 km)<\/strong> each. The difference is remarkably small and speaks volumes about the strength and depth of the women’s field. Across the board, every lap represented determination, resilience and the willingness to discover just how much more was possible.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Record-breaking performances<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For the first time in the history of the RMB Brandberg Backyard Ultra, runners saw the sunrise while still on the course. Watching Andr\u00e9 Ross and Kim Sonntag head back out together, lap after lap, long after everyone else had finished, was something truly special.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Congratulations to Andr\u00e9 Ross (54)<\/strong> on another remarkable victory. Andr\u00e9 completed 26 laps (174.36 km)<\/strong>, breaking his own Brandberg Backyard Ultra course record of 22 laps while also equalling the Namibian Backyard Ultra record that he set during the 2024 World Team Championships in Swakopmund.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A huge congratulations also goes to Kim Sonntag (44)<\/strong> from South Africa, who completed 25 laps (167.65 km)<\/strong> to establish a new women’s course record. It was a privilege to watch these two outstanding athletes push each other to new heights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There were exceptional performances throughout the field. Donatus Aihuki<\/strong> reached 21 laps (140.83 km)<\/strong>, Buks Gous<\/strong> and Milton Kimbini<\/strong> each completed 20 laps (134.12 km)<\/strong>, while past women’s course record holder Danielle Zimny<\/strong> finished a superb 18 laps (120.71 km)<\/strong>. Naud\u00e9 Dreyer<\/strong>, Richard Reid<\/strong> and Tobias Verwey<\/strong> each completed 17 laps (114.00 km)<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

More than just a race<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

One of the highlights of the weekend was undoubtedly the support. The encouragement from family members, crews, fellow runners, spectators and volunteers created an atmosphere that carried runners through every lap, especially during the final hours. Thank you for making every runner feel like a champion, whether they completed one lap or twenty-six.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Conservation wins too<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

We are equally proud of what we achieved off the course<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our conservation fundraising effort continues to show what this community is capable of. The WhatsApp silent auction concluded yesterday, and together with donations made by our runners during race entries and additional cash donations, we raised an incredible N$286,800<\/strong> for our three conservation beneficiaries:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  • Save the Rhino Trust Namibia<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Ocean Conservation Namibia<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Pangolin Conservation & Research Foundation<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    This is a phenomenal result. Every bid, every donation and every item sponsored contributes directly to protecting Namibia’s extraordinary wildlife. Thank you to everyone who donated auction items, placed bids, made financial contributions and shared the auction with others. Your generosity will make a real difference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Congratulations to Our World Team Qualifiers<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    The RMB Brandberg Backyard Ultra also served as the second and final qualifying event for the Namibia Backyard Ultra World Team Championships<\/strong> to be held in October.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Congratulations to the eight runners who automatically secured their places based on their performances at Brandberg:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \n
    • Andr\u00e9 Ross \u2013\u00a026 laps<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Donatus Aihuki \u2013\u00a021 laps<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Buks Gous \u2013\u00a020 laps<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Danielle Zimny \u2013\u00a018 laps<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Naud\u00e9 Dreyer \u2013\u00a017 laps<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Richard Reid \u2013\u00a017 laps<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Tobias Verwey \u2013\u00a017 laps<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Karl Birkenstock \u2013\u00a016 laps<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

      (As Kim Sonntag and Milton Kimbini represented South Africa and Zimbabwe respectively, the next eligible Namibian runners qualified.) The full 15-member Namibian team will be announced in due course.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Thank you<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

      To our presenting partner, RMB<\/strong>, thank you for once again believing in this event and in the people who make it what it is. Your continued support has helped grow the RMB Brandberg Backyard Ultra into one of Africa’s premier Backyard Ultra events.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      To all our sponsors and partners, thank you for your generosity, your enthusiasm and for being part of the weekend\u2014especially those who travelled to Uis to experience the event firsthand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      To Brandberg Rest Camp<\/strong>, thank you for once again welcoming us so warmly. Your hospitality, wonderful meals and willingness to accommodate our ever-growing event make you an invaluable partner. We truly appreciate everything your team did behind the scenes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      To Team Habitat<\/strong> with the amazing hot dogs, Janus Botes with his fire show on Friday, our volunteers, the medics, our photographer and his family, team Kosmos<\/strong>, our media partner, our lovely Uis muffin- and pizza bakers, every crew member and supporter: thank you for the countless hours you gave so generously. Events like this simply cannot happen without you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      And finally, to every runner<\/strong>: thank you for trusting us with your weekend, your training and your dreams. Whether you completed one lap or twenty-six, you became part of the story of the fifth RMB Brandberg Backyard Ultra.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Until next time<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

      We are incredibly grateful for this community and already look forward to welcoming you back next year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Please follow our social media pages, which is where we will post the race photos as they become available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

      To our runners, sponsors, volunteers, conservation partners and the entire RMB Brandberg Backyard Ultra family, A weekend to remember Now that the dust has settled, the tents have been packed away and (most of us!) have finally caught up on some sleep, we wanted to take a moment to simply say thank you. The 5th RMB Brandberg Backyard Ultra exceeded every expectation we had. From the first lap on Saturday morning until the final finish on Sunday morning, you made it a weekend that none of us will forget. This year’s event saw 74 Ultra runners (44 men and 30 women), 85 Challenge runners and 44 Fun Runners take part. By the numbers The numbers in the Ultra category tell an interesting story. Our 30 women completed a combined 248 laps (1,663.09 km), averaging 8.3 laps (55.6 km) per runner, while our 54 men completed 471 laps (3,158.53 km), averaging 8.7 laps (58.4 km) each. The difference is remarkably small and speaks volumes about the strength and depth of the women’s field. Across the board, every lap represented determination, resilience and the willingness to discover just how much more was possible.   Record-breaking performances For the first time in the history of the RMB Brandberg Backyard Ultra, runners saw the sunrise while still on the course. Watching Andr\u00e9 Ross and Kim Sonntag head back out together, lap after lap, long after everyone else had finished, was something truly special. Congratulations to Andr\u00e9 Ross (54) on another remarkable victory. Andr\u00e9 completed 26 laps (174.36 km), breaking his own Brandberg Backyard Ultra course record of 22 laps while also equalling the Namibian Backyard Ultra record that he set during the 2024 World Team Championships in Swakopmund. A huge congratulations also goes to Kim Sonntag (44) from South Africa, who completed 25 laps (167.65 km) to establish a new women’s course record. It was a privilege to watch these two outstanding athletes push each other to new heights. There were exceptional performances throughout the field. Donatus Aihuki reached 21 laps (140.83 km), Buks Gous and Milton Kimbini each completed 20 laps (134.12 km), while past women’s course record holder Danielle Zimny finished a superb 18 laps (120.71 km). Naud\u00e9 Dreyer, Richard Reid and Tobias Verwey each completed 17 laps (114.00 km). More than just a race One of the highlights of the weekend was undoubtedly the support. The encouragement from family members, crews, fellow runners, spectators and volunteers created an atmosphere that carried runners through every lap, especially during the final hours. Thank you for making every runner feel like a champion, whether they completed one lap or twenty-six. Conservation wins too We are equally proud of what we achieved off the course. Our conservation fundraising effort continues to show what this community is capable of. The WhatsApp silent auction concluded yesterday, and together with donations made by our runners during race entries and additional cash donations, we raised an incredible N$286,800 for our three conservation beneficiaries: This is a phenomenal result. Every bid, every donation and every item sponsored contributes directly to protecting Namibia’s extraordinary wildlife. Thank you to everyone who donated auction items, placed bids, made financial contributions and shared the auction with others. Your generosity will make a real difference. Congratulations to Our World Team Qualifiers The RMB Brandberg Backyard Ultra also served as the second and final qualifying event for the Namibia Backyard Ultra World Team Championships to be held in October. Congratulations to the eight runners who automatically secured their places based on their performances at Brandberg: (As Kim Sonntag and Milton Kimbini represented South Africa and Zimbabwe respectively, the next eligible Namibian runners qualified.) The full 15-member Namibian team will be announced in due course. Thank you To our presenting partner, RMB, thank you for once again believing in this event and in the people who make it what it is. Your continued support has helped grow the RMB Brandberg Backyard Ultra into one of Africa’s premier Backyard Ultra events. To all our sponsors and partners, thank you for your generosity, your enthusiasm and for being part of the weekend\u2014especially those who travelled to Uis to experience the event firsthand. To Brandberg Rest Camp, thank you for once again welcoming us so warmly. Your hospitality, wonderful meals and willingness to accommodate our ever-growing event make you an invaluable partner. We truly appreciate everything your team did behind the scenes. To Team Habitat with the amazing hot dogs, Janus Botes with his fire show on Friday, our volunteers, the medics, our photographer and his family, team Kosmos, our media partner, our lovely Uis muffin- and pizza bakers, every crew member and supporter: thank you for the countless hours you gave so generously. Events like this simply cannot happen without you. And finally, to every runner: thank you for trusting us with your weekend, your training and your dreams. Whether you completed one lap or twenty-six, you became part of the story of the fifth RMB Brandberg Backyard Ultra. Until next time We are incredibly grateful for this community and already look forward to welcoming you back next year. Please follow our social media pages, which is where we will post the race photos as they become available.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1708,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1713","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/namibiaultratrails.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1713","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/namibiaultratrails.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/namibiaultratrails.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/namibiaultratrails.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/namibiaultratrails.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1713"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/namibiaultratrails.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1713\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1714,"href":"https:\/\/namibiaultratrails.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1713\/revisions\/1714"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/namibiaultratrails.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1708"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/namibiaultratrails.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1713"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/namibiaultratrails.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1713"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/namibiaultratrails.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1713"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}