Kelowna resident Michael Serani from Canada emerged as the national champion in the backyard ultra competition by covering a total distance of 549.8 kilometers within 82 hours in Sicamous, B.C. The event was part of the Backyard Ultra World Team Championship, where teams compete to accumulate the highest distance collectively.
Participants in backyard ultra races have to complete a 6.7-kilometer loop every hour without a designated finish line until they can no longer continue. Serani, among 15 Canadian runners, surpassed Ontario’s Michael Rouleau by one loop, who finished with a total of 543 kilometers.
The Canadian team secured the ninth position in the team standings by earning points each time a runner completed the 6.7-kilometer loop. Crew members played a crucial role in supporting the athletes, ensuring they were well-fed, hydrated, and equipped to handle physical challenges like chafing and blisters.
Barry Nakahara, one of Serani’s crew members, praised Serani for his positive attitude and determination throughout the race. Crews at backyard ultras function akin to a Formula One pit crew, providing essential support to the runners during the grueling event.
Nakahara highlighted the camaraderie and support among crew members, including Serani’s wife and her family, who stepped in to assist when needed. In backyard ultra races, victory often comes down to the last lap, pushing competitors to give their best until the very end.
Serani’s sportsmanship and encouragement of fellow runners were noted by Nakahara, emphasizing the spirit of competition and mutual support in these endurance events.