Get ready for the Brandberg Backyard Ultra
Tough running
Top ultra runners are set to compete in the second edition of the Brandberg Backyard Ultra which also serves as a fundraiser for species conservation.
Top ultra runners are returning to Uis with a vengeance on 29 July 2023.
The Brandberg Backyard Ultra (BBU) is now considered a silver ticket event and runners who manage to run 24 loops (24 hours) will also make it to the finalists’ list for a spot in the 2024 world championships at Big’s Backyard Ultra - the original event - in Tennessee, USA.
“We expect sensational results from the number and caliber of runners that have already entered the 2023 event. As such, more than ten entrants recently completed the Comrades Marathon (90 km ultra), while another handful competed in 100 miles (160 km), 100 km events, and multiday events,” said Riana Scholtz, the race director for Namibia Ultra Trails, home of the Backyard Ultra, Namibia.
Namibia's first Brandberg Backyard Ultra took place in Uis on 23 July 2022. The country joined the ranks with its first affiliated backyard ultra, bringing the tally of countries with affiliated races to 72 - with over 400 races.
André Ross, a 50-year-old Swakopmunder, completed 20 laps (134 km) and was crowned the last person standing after Frans Amakali (41) conceded in the 19th lap. Kirsty Brits (42) was the last woman to clock out after she completed eight laps (54 km).
According to Scholtz, both Ross and Amakali will return to battle it out, as well as close runners-up Johan Bronkhorst and Harmen Potgieter. “The female veteran ultra runner and Comrades bronze medalist Kirsty Britz will be returning - not only to defend her title as the last woman standing but to compete for outright first place this year.”
The winner of the Brandberg Backyard Ultra will receive a cash prize of N$5 000. Should the distance they complete exceed 100 km, the prize will increase to N$8 000, and - in the event that the total distance should exceed 100 miles (160 km) - the winner will walk away with N$10 000. Spot prizes will also be handed out to the runners wearing the funniest outfits and best supporters.
During the course of the weekend, there will be an auction of goods and weekend packages to raise funds and awareness under the Rewild Campaign. “This campaign accentuates and supports Namibian non-profit projects aimed at species conservation, habitat preservation, and rehabilitation as well as education. Beneficiaries of the 2023 auction will once again include the Save the Rhino Trust Namibia, as well as Ocean Conservation Namibia, the Desert Lion Conservation, and the Skeleton Coast Brown Hyena Project,” explained Scholtz.
She also encouraged runners and supporters to bring along used family-friendly books to donate to local public- and school libraries in Uis and further afield in the Tsiseb Conservancy.
The Brandberg Backyard Ultra (BBU) is now considered a silver ticket event and runners who manage to run 24 loops (24 hours) will also make it to the finalists’ list for a spot in the 2024 world championships at Big’s Backyard Ultra - the original event - in Tennessee, USA.
“We expect sensational results from the number and caliber of runners that have already entered the 2023 event. As such, more than ten entrants recently completed the Comrades Marathon (90 km ultra), while another handful competed in 100 miles (160 km), 100 km events, and multiday events,” said Riana Scholtz, the race director for Namibia Ultra Trails, home of the Backyard Ultra, Namibia.
Namibia's first Brandberg Backyard Ultra took place in Uis on 23 July 2022. The country joined the ranks with its first affiliated backyard ultra, bringing the tally of countries with affiliated races to 72 - with over 400 races.
André Ross, a 50-year-old Swakopmunder, completed 20 laps (134 km) and was crowned the last person standing after Frans Amakali (41) conceded in the 19th lap. Kirsty Brits (42) was the last woman to clock out after she completed eight laps (54 km).
According to Scholtz, both Ross and Amakali will return to battle it out, as well as close runners-up Johan Bronkhorst and Harmen Potgieter. “The female veteran ultra runner and Comrades bronze medalist Kirsty Britz will be returning - not only to defend her title as the last woman standing but to compete for outright first place this year.”
The winner of the Brandberg Backyard Ultra will receive a cash prize of N$5 000. Should the distance they complete exceed 100 km, the prize will increase to N$8 000, and - in the event that the total distance should exceed 100 miles (160 km) - the winner will walk away with N$10 000. Spot prizes will also be handed out to the runners wearing the funniest outfits and best supporters.
During the course of the weekend, there will be an auction of goods and weekend packages to raise funds and awareness under the Rewild Campaign. “This campaign accentuates and supports Namibian non-profit projects aimed at species conservation, habitat preservation, and rehabilitation as well as education. Beneficiaries of the 2023 auction will once again include the Save the Rhino Trust Namibia, as well as Ocean Conservation Namibia, the Desert Lion Conservation, and the Skeleton Coast Brown Hyena Project,” explained Scholtz.
She also encouraged runners and supporters to bring along used family-friendly books to donate to local public- and school libraries in Uis and further afield in the Tsiseb Conservancy.
Kommentaar
Republikein
Geen kommentaar is op hierdie artikel gelaat nie