First we had the concept of running ultras in small loops, a prime examples is the Lighthorse Ultra ( https://lighthorseultra.com.au/ which is a timed event over 3/6/12 or 24 hours , over a 2.5k loop.  We then fell in love with the Backyard Ultra where the race is a 6.7k loop on the hour every hour, until there is only one runner left standing. ( https://ultraserieswa.com.au/event/birdys-backyard-2/ ) Now the Ultra Series WA,  together with Vlad Ixel and Bix Nutrition,  ( https://www.bixvitamins.com/  ) have started the Great Trail Relay, kicking off in Perth  August 28th ( http://thegreatrelays.com.au )

Vlad Ixel is a trail living legend , as his website will clearly show , https://www.vladixel.com/about-me , it was Vlad who first came up with the concept of a team ultra where teams of 2 or 4 run a 2.5k loop for a distance of 100k. Doing the math it would means 20 laps each for a duo or 10 laps each for a quad team.  These events went gangbusters in Asia and are sure to do the same thing in Australia. There is talk of a road version in January 2022.

What makes this event so special is the comradery of running in a team but also the other teams around you and the whole party atmosphere of the event village. Because you are forced to wait your turn, be that one 2.5k loop in a duo or three in a quad , it gives you time to really soak up the feel of the event, a running carnival.  You can use the time to prepare for your next loop, take on board nutrition or hydration or give other teams around you a ‘gee’ up , the possibilities are endless. The best part is you are not alone on a trail with your thoughts,  not that this is a bad thing but once in a while it’s actually nice to race an ultra with a bit of company, these type of events give you company and then some !

As the title suggests if a point to point Ultra is a 5 day test, a backyard ultra would be a one day test and this Trail Relay is the 20/20 of Ultra running.  Something going on all the time and if you blink you’ll miss something.  Let’s face it the last time you ran a relay was probably at school and how much fun was it !  For this event each team will have a baton with a timing chip in it allowing you to see where you are in the field and this encouraging some healthy competition throughout the event, not just at the front of the pack.  This is where you will be able to see exactly who you’re racing.

From the website :-

You’ll also find this image on the website for the event which shows you can also have a nap if you so prefer inbetween racing allbeit in the image above I was about to leap up and continue racing at Herdy’s , honest ?

I have already entered a team of four and as it’s two weeks after the Birdy’s Backyard Ultra I have named our team the Broken Birdy’s as we’re all running Birdy’s and will probably not be a fit state to race it. This could be your chance to give me and the boys a good toweling, what more incentive do you want to race?  All joking aside this event will take off and if you are going to enter make an effort and do it now. It’s the weekend of the Perth City to Surf which unfortunately has been cancelled. The loop is in the beautiful Jorgensen Park in Kalamunda which is the starting point for the bib track , so I’m sure the loop will be testing.

I’ve been racing for over 20 years and I can honestly say these looped events are without doubt the most fun I have ever had. I’ve ran 45 marathons and many, many  ultras but looped ultras/races are the best by a county mile. Personally for me the backyard ultra concept is my favourite but this event will be even more fun I reckon, being part of a team and also the whole atmosphere of  hundreds of like minded people doing what we love together, while being able to eat good tukka and sup on quality coffee, sounds like heaven to me !

I can’t leave without yet again thanking Shaun, Axel and the team at USWA  for putting this event on, these guys are the makers of dreams and have created unique events that allow us,  as runners, to really see what we can become if you have someone that totally believes in you.  We are truly blessed.  ( https://ultraserieswa.com.au/ )

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