The Pirates Backyard Ultra in Malaysia drew Dave all the way from Thailand to Kuala Lumpur. Held in Putrajaya Wetland Park, the race runs a 6.7 km loop every hour until only one runner remains. This video shows how he got on.
Flying In for the Race
Destination races have become a theme on the channel, and this one took Dave from Thailand to Malaysia for the Pirate Backyard Ultra. The event is set in the beautiful Putrajaya Wetland Park, in the administrative heart of the country near Kuala Lumpur, and aims to promote the park to local and international runners alike.
How a Backyard Ultra Works
The format is simple and brutal: runners complete a 6.7 km loop inside the park in under one hour, every hour, starting on the hour. The concept, created by Gary Cantrell, better known as Lazarus Lake of Barkley Marathons fame, continues until only one runner can complete a solo loop. Everyone else is a DNF, and 24 hours of loops equals exactly 100 miles.
More Than a Race
With no pressure to run fast, the backyard ultra is famously social. Runners regroup at the start line every hour, and those who drop out stay to eat, talk, and watch the event unfold. The video answers the title's question, how did Dave do, while showing why this format welcomes nearly everyone.
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