The Backyard Ultra is one of the newer formats of ultramarathon, though has steadily and rapidly gained popularity worldwide from its 2011 inception. The concept is a simple one – runners need to complete a 4.167 mile loop within an hour. They then do this again on the hour, every hour until only one runner remains.

With all competitors toeing the line together at the top of every hour, and a focus on beating personal bests and keeping each other going as long as possible, the format fits well with the Scrabo Striders’ all-ability ethos, which is why this Saturday saw the 5th running of the club’s own members-only Last Strider Standing event.

This year the club’s runners were treated to a brand new venue of Ballykinler Training Camp, kindly hosted by the regional Armed Forces who kindly gave the club permission to use the facility. With over 100 members having cleared the security gates and raring to go, the sun shining in the sky and some music pumping, the atmosphere was exceptional. It was great to also have some military personnel taking part and sharing the miles with the club.

At 12 PM the klaxon sounded and off everyone set on loop 1 around the very scenic course offering fantastic views of the Mournes and countryside surrounding the camp, as well as mixed terrain consisting of tarmac, gravel, grass, forest trail and sand.

As the hours rolled on and the field of competitors thinned, the atmosphere was unaffected with many staying on to support and crew at the start / finish line, with the barbeque getting good usage as the evening drew in. Dusk quickly turned to night and still a hardcore contingent continued clocking up the loops, whether for a distance PB, one of the club’s coveted 50 Mile Club medals, or chasing an outright win.

The final 2 athletes were Rachel Bell and Graeme Black, with Rachel calling it a day at 16 loops (66.7 miles) to equal the ladies’ backyard ultra club record and a personal best distance, and Graeme completing a final solo loop for 70.8 miles. Others managing to join the 50-mile club were Colin Verth, Michael Burgess, Steven Hanna, Emma Clements, Emmanuel Farrelly, Coach Ismail and Matt Bell.

In total, just over 2200 miles were clocked up by competitors throughout the day. Huge congratulations to all that ran, particularly those who achieved a distance PB, namely Matt Bell (62.5 miles), Rachel Bell (66.7 miles), Jordan McIntyre (33.3 miles), Naomi Magowan (20.8 miles), Steven Hanna (50 miles), Karen Collins (25 miles), George Johnston (33.3 miles), Sarah Johnston (33.3 miles), Nicola Forsythe (20.8 miles), Colin Verth (50 miles), Craig Simpson (33.3 miles), Karen Wilson (37.5 miles), Noel Angus (20.8 miles) and Victoria Graham (12.5 miles).

This weekend also saw Jonathan Winter traveling to London for the Big Half Marathon. Enjoying 13.1 miles around the capital, Jonathan completed the route in a time of 1:54:48.

Also on Saturday was the Hardman Triathlon in Killarney which saw Striuder Jonathan Bull complete an almost 4km swim, 108 mile cycle around the Ring Of Kerry, and a marathon to top it all off, in a total time of 13:50:11. Congratulations Jonathan on a monumental effort!

Sunday saw flat and fast favourite Laganside 10K take place once again, with the club represented by 8 entrants. First Strider across the line was Martin Strachan in 36:03, followed by James Cole-Boyle (41:42), Simon Ferguson (44:18), Rebecca Robinson (49:57), Penny Hamilton (50:31), Andrew Caddoo (53:56, PB), Paul Kirkwood (59:11) and Christine Kirkwood (1:21:23). Junior members were also represented in the 1 mile event by Lyla Rose McNamara. Well done all!

The weekend wouldn’t be complete without parkruns, and this week’s most popular venue for Striders thanks to many stopping in on their way to Last Strider Standing was Dunleath Playing Fields in Downpatrick, where Norman Mawhinney crossed the line in 1st place, Simon Ferguson in 2nd with a PB, and Luke Braniff with a course PB in 3rd. First place female was taken by Willow Farrington, followed in 2nd by Keara Simpson with a PB. Maddie Dynes also recorded an overall PB and Rory Braniff a course PB. Other overall PBs were recorded in Comber by Andrew Caddoo and Alyson Lee, while Adam Haylett achieved a course PB at Stormont.

The club’s Juniors had their turn on Sunday too, with 3 junior parkrun venues having Striders in attendance. Luke Braniff chose Musgrave for his final run as a junior, achieving a course PB and 2nd place overall. Joining him were Willow Farrington (3rd overall), Harry McCready (3rd M), Heath Farrington (course PB), Rory Braniff and Calum McCready (course PB). Penelope Davies and Lyla Rose McNamara both ran in Bangor, and at Comber, Keara Simpson took 1st female position, followed by Elijah Ferguson with a PB, Olly Simpson, Maddie Dynes with a PB (2nd F), Lydia Blair and Leo Williams.

This Friday sees the running of Ards 5 Mile Challenge – the club’s final open race of the year. Taking runners down Portaferry Road before turning inland towards Loughries and back to Londonderry Park over an undulating route, the ever-popular race kicks off at 7PM, with on-the-night entries available until 6:45 PM.

Scrabo Striders is an all abilities running club which always has lots going on. With up to 4 training nights per week, as well as social runs and members only events (like Last Strider Standing) there’s something to suit everyone and a warm welcome awaits. Why not come and try a few sessions free of charge before taking the plunge? More information on scrabostriders.com or by searching Scrabo Striders Running Club on Facebook.