Last man standing runs 254km at Delta Backyard Ultra

DELTA PARK – Runners test their endurance by running for up to 38 hours at the annual event.

May 16, 2022

Nicholas Zaal 1 minute read

DrJacovLalou,winner_91311 — Dr Jacov Lalou, winner of the 2022 Delta Backyard Ultra, sits in the start corral waiting for the next yard to start. He ran 38 yards – 254.8km. Photo: Supplied

It was the ultimate test of endurance when runners ran for up to most of two days during the Delta Backyard Trail.

The third annual event in Delta Park saw 65 runners run 6.7km routes restarting on the hour, each hour, repetitively on May 1 and 2.

They each ran as many laps they could, starting at 06:00 on the first day, running all through the day, night and next day, and finalists running into the next night.

Tembinkosi Sojola (second-place finisher) refuels during the night before the start of the next yard. Photo: Supplied

The winner, Dr Jacov Lalou set a new record by running 254km.

Thembinkoi Sojola started the 38th yard (or lap) with Lalou but only Lalou could finish it, raising R80 000 for CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation in the process.

The injuries, and physical and mental exhaustion proved too much for Sojola 38 hours after the start of the event.

Michelle Ncube, who had previously only completed a marathon, ran 13 yards (87.2km). Photo: Supplied

“The main challenges are things you cannot control, and early on my quads tightened and I had issues with my right ITB [iliotibial band],” Lalou said.

“I worried about them but they did not prove a problem. When we looked at my feet we saw there were blisters but they didn’t even trouble me. I was lucky.”

Race director, Martin Crous said he was very happy with how the event went. “Runners received so much support from the families and crowd,” Crous said.

Runners start another yard at the Delta Backyard Ultra. Photo: Supplied

“Most people would finish a yard with 15 minutes to go before the next one, so they had some time to rest between. But it was extremely challenging. People had very little sleep and they had to eat quickly.”

It was all about endurance and mental strength, Crous said.

Admire Muzopambwa and Matthew Henshall share a photo after a long night of running. Photo: Supplied

But runners took it slow and ran in groups. “You saw veterans and novices running together, which was great. People could run with who they wanted and speak to those they admire, as they went. It was great seeing runners encourage each other.”

So there were success stories like Michelle Ncube’s, who had previously only completed a marathon, but ran 13 yards (87.2km) at the event.