The Running Voyager - René Vollgraaff

Nov 27, 2023

Last Samurai Standing - Tokyo Backyard Ultra Report

" The *backyard ultra* or *last one standing* is a form of ultramarathon race where competitors must consecutively run the distance of 6.706 kilometres (4.167 mi) in less than one hour, which is a pace of 100 miles per 24 hours. The race is over when only one runner remains to complete a lap. This runner is marked as the winner and only finisher, with all other runners receiving a "DNF" (Did Not Finish). The runner who completes the second-most laps in a race is often referred to as the "assist", in the sense that their effort is ultimately what determines how long the race is allowed to continue--there is no predefined end length or time in a backyard ultra, as long as multiple runners can complete each loop within an hour." ~ source Wikipedia. This episode is a "race report" from my perspective as a volunteer at the Tokyo Last Samurai Standing Backyard Ultra. The Runners ran for 70 hours - however, no one "won" the race, and the last two participants DNF'd on the 70th loop. Links Backyard Ultra Last Samurai Standing Tokyo Tomokazu Ihara Music: Kiss the Sky by Scott HolmesSupport the show

24 min