Joint winners of the inaugural Ballymun Backyard Ultra at Trinity Comprehensive School, which began on Friday evening (May 30), were Aodan Ogden from Cork and Greg Fay from Waterford. Both runners completed 16 ‘yards’—or hourly loops—covering a total distance of 107km.
Gavin Tracey of Ballymun AC finished just behind them, having withdrawn after 15 hours and 100.5km.
A Backyard Ultra challenges participants to complete a 6.7km loop every hour. If achieved continuously for 24 hours, this totals 100 miles. However, fail to finish within the hour—or choose not to start the next loop—and your race is over. The format is both a physical and mental test, with the last runner standing declared the winner.
The Ballymun event marked a first in ultra-running history, being the first urban backyard ultra to use a lapped course in a school setting.
“Backyard ultras usually take place on a single 6.7km trail or road route. For our event, runners had to complete 13 laps of a 550m loop within the school grounds to make up the 6.7km,”
— Ger Prendergast, Event Organiser
Around 15 participants took to the start line at 6pm on Friday, each with their own personal goals. For Owen Hayes, the aim was to complete five ‘yards’—which he did in style by 11pm that night.
Also taking part were female runners from Ballymun AC and Coolock Running Club, showcasing a great mix of talent and determination.
“The event was a great success, and we’ll be making it an annual fixture for the June Bank Holiday weekend. It was a brilliant mix of abilities, with everyone chasing their own goals and seeing how far they could go. A great atmosphere, camaraderie, and fun!”
— Ger Prendergast
