Red Dirt Backyard Ultra Delivers Record-Breaking Weekend

As part of the Pilbara Trailblazers committee, I am incredibly proud of where we have taken this event over the last few years, and it continues to grow bigger and better every year. I heard quite a few comments out there about how much people have loved this event and even a few saying they have run in a lot of events, and this one has been the best event they have ever been in.

An event record of 127 Runners lined up on the start line for Yard 1 and after 38 hours I was fortunate enough to be crowned the 2026 Last Man Standing, setting a new PB for myself and setting a new course record. The event's previous course record of 33 yards was set by Phil Gore in 2024.

The assist was Mike Hall, who delivered an outstanding performance of his own. Mike completed 37 yards before beginning the 38th, where he made the difficult decision to turn back. Together, we ran side-by-side for 16 hours after the rest of the field had DNF’d by yard 21. Mike also smashed his own personal best by five yards.

The women's field also produced an inspiring performance, with Josie Wang becoming the Last Woman Standing after completing an impressive 19 yards. Throughout the event, Josie tackled every challenge with determination, resilience and a smile, embodying the spirit of the Backyard Ultra format from the first yard to her last.

The Pilbara weather ensured competitors experienced a little bit of everything. Saturday brought welcome cloud cover and periods of rain, creating muddy and slippery sections across the course, while a bitterly cold night tested runners as they continued into the early hours. By Sunday morning, the clouds had cleared to reveal warm sunshine, providing one final challenge for those still out on course.

One of the most heartwarming moments of the weekend belonged to nine-year-old Lachie Olsson, who set a new Australian record in the boys' nine-year-old age category after completing an incredible Five yards, equalling more than 33 Kilometres. As Lachie returned from his final yard, he was greeted by his entire soccer team, who lined the finish area to cheer him home in a memorable celebration. Adding to the occasion, Lachie also received a special video message of encouragement from his sporting hero, Phil Gore, the winner of the 2024 Red Dirt Backyard Ultra.

While course records made headlines, countless personal victories unfolded across the weekend. Many returning competitors broke their own personal bests, first time Backyard Ultra runners established new benchmarks to chase in future years, and numerous spectators left inspired and already planning to line up for Red Dirt Backyard Ultra 2027.

Red Dirt Backyard Ultra Run Director Jacs Homann said the weekend showcased everything that makes the event so special.

“Red Dirt is about so much more than who wins. Seeing people support and encourage each other across every part of the event, watching competitors discover they are capable of more than they imagined, and witnessing so many personal milestones made this one of our most memorable events yet."

The Pilbara Trailblazers would like to thank the competitors, volunteers, sponsors, support crews, and spectators who made the 2026 Red Dirt Backyard Ultra such an outstanding success. Their passion and commitment continue to grow the event into one of Western Australia's premier endurance running experiences. This event was proudly supported by the WA State Government.