The Big’s Backyard Ultra World Championship in Bell Buckle, Tennessee, has once again captured the attention of endurance running enthusiasts, showcasing the extraordinary stamina and determination of ultra-runners. In its 2025 edition, British runner Sarah Perry delivered an unforgettable performance, completing an astonishing 95 laps, equating to approximately 637 kilometers. However, back pain led her to opt out of starting the 96th lap. American competitor Meg Eckert also showcased her resilience by reaching 92 laps (about 617 kilometers) before failing to start loop 93 in time. Both women significantly surpassed the previous women’s backyard ultra record of 87 laps, marking a remarkable milestone in the competitive landscape of ultrarunning.
The Backyard Ultra Phenomenon
The Big’s Backyard Ultra, designed by Gary Cantrell, popularly known as Laz Lake, is widely regarded as the original event that initiated the backyard ultra running craze. This unique format challenges participants to complete a 6.7-kilometer loop within one hour. If a runner fails to begin the next loop on time, they are eliminated from the race. The event continues until only one runner completes a lap that no other competitor can match. This year, 75 elite runners from around the globe embarked on this grueling challenge, including notable names like Phil Gore, who currently holds the world record for backyard ultras with a staggering 119 laps, and Harvey Lewis, a previous champion of Big’s who completed 108 laps in 2023.
Perry’s and Eckert’s Intense Battle
Coming into the event with a strong background, Perry aimed to set significant benchmarks for both herself and the sport. Throughout the early hours of the race, she maintained a steady pace while many competitors faltered. As the 88th lap approached, Perry and Eckert were the only two women left in the competition. The final laps turned into a mental battle of endurance and strength. “I’ve got mixed emotions. I’m quite disappointed that my back went when everything else was working so well. I had it in my legs and my head on reaching 100 laps, something I was really fixed on, but that’s ultra running,” Perry reflected post-race, as reported by INOV8. Perry’s achievement of crossing the finish line after completing 95 loops shattered her own British national record of 59 laps and exceeded the former best of 87 laps. Unfortunately, severe back pain restricted her from attempting the 96th lap, while Eckert faced a similar disappointment by not finishing lap 93 on time.
Canada’s Lone Contender, Lee Alonzo Murphy
This year’s edition of Big’s Backyard Ultra also featured a Canadian competitor: Lee Alonzo Murphy from Nova Scotia. Murphy earned his spot through a remarkable performance in national backyard ultras, where he made an impressive showing. Completing 74 laps and covering a distance of 496 kilometers, he set a new personal best. His journey exemplifies the dedication and skill required to compete at such a high level.
The Path Ahead: New Records on the Horizon
As the competition continued towards the 100-yard mark, the remaining eight runners, including former record holders Lewis, Belgian runners Merijn Geerts and Ivo Steyaert, demonstrated extraordinary resolve. There’s considerable excitement around whether Kazuhiro Kawahata from Japan can complete his 100th lap, which would be a historic achievement, surpassing all previous records for Japanese runners in this grueling endurance format.
How to Follow the Action
With the event unfolding neck-and-neck towards its climax, fans keen to witness this extraordinary spectacle can keep up with live coverage through the Big’s Backyard Ultra live stream and stay updated via the official Facebook page. The dedication shown by the athletes in this year’s championship reflects the evolving spirit of ultrarunning and sets the stage for future challenges and achievements.
