A bleary-eyed Dan Richmond produced an exceptional feat of endurance to win the inaugural Backyard Ultra Isle of Man running event at Archallagan Plantation.
Taking place over the course of Friday and Saturday (October 2-3), the event saw runners complete laps of a 4.167 mile course known as a “yard” at the turn of every hour. How quickly each athlete completed their yard dictated how much recovery they had before heading out on the next loop.
Richmond completed 31 yards, a staggering distance of 129.177 miles, running for just under 31 hours. David Williams was second, after conceding to the Ramsey man on Saturday evening.
Joanne Howse finished as top female athlete, covering an impressive 25 yards, while ‘Harry and his Crabs’ took the team title with a combined 80 yards.
You can watch Manx.News’ interview with Dan, mere moments after he crossed the finish line, here:
How it Happened
The event began at midday on Friday, with the field having set up their various gazebos to shelter them from the forecast downpours they’d have to endure. Archallagan carpark was reminiscent of the TT paddock, by the time the 174 starters took their first steps.
A variety of abilities set out onto the lap, from seasoned ultra machines to complete novices. QEII High School geography teacher, Paul Carine, had taught his morning lessons before embarking on his latest endurance challenge. He’d still be on course over 24 hours later. Meanwhile others including Flourish Therapies’ Hollie Quaye, were simply aiming to make it to midnight.
The athletes were able to enjoy a solitary dry lap before the heavens opened, turning an already arduous course into a quagmire. Predictably, the withdrawals began to roll in, and the field was whittled down as darkness fell and head torches illuminated the forest.
The temperature fell on a clear night, as evidenced by Deja Brew coffee van’s steady flow of custom, and rain-soaked clothes soon became a major hazard for the runners still braving the metronomic race.
A mass exodus throughout the nighttime hours left a heavily reduced field as the sun rose over Douglas bay, and with sleep deprivation rearing its ugly head as the day wore on, the total number of competitors soon dropped into single figures.
Just two athletes remained when the light began to fade, and it looked increasingly like a second night of brutal action was in the offing. However, at 5:50pm, Williams reemerged from his tent with a pain stricken expression.
“If you can do this lap, you can have it,” he said, shaking Richmond’s hand with what little strength remained.
Duly, his rival took to the start for the final time. Before leaving, to the amazement of the crowd, Richmond asked organiser Nikki Arthur what the lap record was. 34mins 8secs, set by Charlie Whipp, was the reply. With a determined nod, the 24-year-old took off for a final agonising loop.
Time ticked away, but as the champion elect careered back into view, the clock was kind. 33mins 36secs, and a new lap record at the final time of asking, with 125 miles already in the legs.
A stunning performance to cap off a triumphant event, and if the demand for this year’s test is anything to go by, Backyard Ultra Isle of Man isn’t going anywhere.