Backyard Ultra: An endurance sport gaining traction in Morocco

The Backyard Ultra, an endurance sport characterized by 60-minute loops, is striving for recognition in Morocco, where enthusiasts passionately engage with the discipline.

Created by American Lazarus Lake, the mastermind behind the famous Barkley Marathon in Tennessee, the Backyard Ultra is a unique ultramarathon format. Every hour, participants embark on a 6.706-kilometer loop, repeating this until only one runner remains, declared the winner.

The primary goal for runners is to complete as many loops as possible within each hour.

Kaoutar Bendoumou, the sole female representative of the Moroccan Backyard Ultra team, emphasizes that this sport significantly enhances athletes' mental resilience alongside physical endurance. "This discipline allows one to test personal limits and push further against obstacles," she stated in an interview with MAP. Bendoumou elaborated that "Backyard Ultra is not merely an endurance sport; it demands both physical and mental fortitude. When an athlete successfully merges these two aspects, they enter a new realm of performance."

During her training camp in Maâmora, she noted, "It’s also a way to introspect, as we often find ourselves caught up in the chaos of daily life. This sport provides an opportunity to reflect on who we are and what we can face."

An experienced competitor, Bendoumou has participated in the grueling Marathon des Sables. She highlights the necessity of a well-rounded strategy encompassing pacing, rest periods, nutrition, and sleep, stating, “One must dig deep to find the resources necessary to stay in the competition.”

Bendoumou describes the Backyard Ultra as a perfect embodiment of the phrase "one for all, all for one." She believes that the more participants support each other, the higher the chances of team members completing the event. "In Team Morocco, we have cultivated group cohesion through our training and competition participation. This sport fosters mutual encouragement among athletes, helping us maintain pace and continue the race."

She also aims to dispel misconceptions surrounding the discipline. "When people hear 'endurance' and 'ultra,' they often feel discouraged, believing it's beyond their capabilities. In reality, one's abilities can be strengthened through consistent practice."

"It's normal not to perform at peak levels initially, but with training, we discover our strengths and limits, allowing us to push further in races," she explained. Bendoumou assured that participants who come to experience this extreme sport during the Morocco Backyard Ultra—now in its fifth edition—often return, citing its positive effects on both body and mind.

Moreover, she highlighted Team Morocco's impressive performances in international competitions, attributing success to improved strategies for completing more loops, particularly following the team championship that enabled athlete Brahim Aldaz to represent Morocco at the upcoming individual world championship in the United States.

"During the last edition of the Morocco Backyard Ultra, we saw a significant increase in female participation, which is becoming increasingly notable," she remarked. Furthermore, she pointed out that the event is now recognized by the International Trail Running Association (ITRA), which is endorsed by World Athletics, reflecting the quality of its organization and participants.

Emphasizing the critical need for financial support for the sport's development, Bendoumou noted that Team Morocco's athletes often compete internationally at their own expense. "We lack sponsors and partners to advance this sport in Morocco. Our main goal is to honor our country on the international stage and promote this discipline, which is attracting more enthusiasts."