Fans of ultramarathons rejoiced as this year’s Go One More (G.1.M.) ultramarathon took place in Texas, showcasing an exhilarating competition that culminated in a historic outcome. The fifth edition of this annual backyard ultra faced an unexpected challenge when severe weather forced a halt to the race after 56 loops and a remarkable 378.5 kilometers. The last two standing competitors, Australia’s Kendall Picado Fallas and Germany’s Kim Gottwald, made the unprecedented decision to share the title.
Understanding the Backyard Ultra Format
The backyard ultra format is designed to test the mental and physical endurance of competitors. Participants complete a 6.7 km (4.167 mile) loop every hour, starting on the hour, until only one runner remains. All others receive a DNF (Did Not Finish). The G.1.M., founded by fitness influencer Nick Bare and sponsored by Bare Performance Nutrition, takes place annually at Bare Ranch in Texas, attracting a diverse group of ultra enthusiasts.
The Race: A Dramatic Turn of Events
On Saturday, the race kicked off with an impressive field of 120 runners. As the hours progressed, the competition narrowed down to just Fallas and Gottwald, who went head-to-head for an intense final 26 laps, covering an incredible 175 km. However, around the start of the 57th lap, a severe thunderstorm struck the area, prompting organizers to prioritize the safety of runners, staff, and spectators.
“Shortly after the start of the 57th lap, a severe thunderstorm struck, flooding the course and bringing extreme winds, putting everyone in immediate danger,” the event organizers reported on Instagram. Following this alarming development, Fallas and Gottwald mutually decided to conclude the race, splitting the title of the G.1.M Ultra. Their impressive 56-lap performance sets a new course record.
The Significance of a Shared Title
While traditional backyard ultras typically crown a singular winner, instances of tied results have occurred. In 2022, Belgium’s Merijn Geerts and Ivo Steyaert ended their race after breaking the 100-hour barrier, illustrating that runner camaraderie sometimes takes precedence over competition.
The backdrop to this year’s tie was remarkable; both Fallas and Gottwald were not unfamiliar with endurance races. Fallas, at just 21, made headlines as the youngest person to run for 50 hours during Sydney’s Backyard Ultra earlier in the year. Gottwald also demonstrated his mettle by excelling in vertically challenging races shortly before the G.1.M.
Notable Participants and Their Performances
The race drew significant attention not only for its intense competition but also for its diverse array of participants. Noted for his denim jeans, Truett Hanes ventured away from traditional marathons to participate in the G.1.M. His strong performance saw him complete nearly 183 kilometers over 27 hours, securing a place in the top 20.
Community Engagement and Media Buzz
The G.1.M. ultramarathon captured the excitement of not only local fans but also garnered attention from the wider athletics community. Prominent athletes like pro track runner Katelyn Touhy shared their admiration on social media, expressing their enthusiasm for the nail-biting competition. “Kind of going to miss checking in every hour, not going to lie,” she commented, highlighting the race’s engaging nature.
The Future of Backyard Ultras
Although Fallas and Gottwald completed less than half the distance of the backyard ultra world record set by Polish runner Łukasz Wróbel, which stands at 116 loops or approximately 777 km, this year’s G.1.M. is destined to be remembered as one of the most noteworthy events in ultra-running history. Fans and participants alike are eager to see how the landscape of backyard ultras evolves in the years to come, especially as endurance events gain popularity across the globe.
This year’s G.1.M. ultramarathon not only showcased the grit and determination of its participants but also underscored the evolving dynamics of competitive running—particularly in extreme conditions. As discussions surrounding the race grow and interest in backyard ultras continues to flourish, we can expect that events like the G.1.M. will become even more exciting in the years ahead.
Note on Registration
Since the article doesn’t mention any race years beyond 2025 or opened registrations more than 30 days ago, the content retains relevance for upcoming events in ultra-running and backyard ultras.
