Mark Dowdle Critiques Australian Team's Course Choice for Backyard Ultra
The 2026 Big’s Backyard Ultra World Team Championship is set to take place this weekend, starting on October 17th. This year, the event will feature a team format, with 74 nations competing on their home soil, showcasing the best backyard ultra runners from around the globe. However, reigning champion Mark Dowdle has already stirred controversy by criticizing other nations for opting for easier courses ahead of the competition.
In a backyard ultra marathon, the rules are straightforward: runners complete one 4.167-mile loop every hour until only one remains. If a runner fails to finish their loop within the hour or does not start the next loop, they are disqualified. Unlike traditional marathons, there is no finish line; the race continues until one runner stands victorious. The second-place finisher is recognized as the 'assist' for pushing the winner the furthest.
For this team event, each nation fields a team of 15 runners, with their score based on the total number of loops completed. For instance, if one runner finishes 30 loops in 30 hours, they contribute 30 points to their team’s score. Given the number of teams participating, creating uniform racing conditions is impossible. Team USA will run on the original Big’s Backyard Ultra course, which features approximately 400 feet of elevation gain per loop. Over 24 hours and 24 loops, this amounts to a staggering 9,600 feet of elevation change.
Dowdle's criticism is directed at the Australian team's decision to run on a flatter course, which he perceives as a lack of ambition. He expressed his views on social media, pointing out that while Team USA will face significant elevation challenges, the Australians have chosen a route that he believes does not adequately test their abilities. Dowdle's remarks have sparked discussions within the running community, with many weighing in on the merits of challenging oneself versus choosing a more manageable course.
The Rise of Backyard Ultra Competitions
The Backyard Ultra format has gained popularity in recent years, with the inaugural Big’s Backyard Ultra held in 2011, organized by Gary ‘Lazarus Lake’ Cantrell, who is also known for the Barkley Marathons. Notable achievements in this format include Australia’s Phil Gore, who holds the record for the most loops completed at 119, just shy of 500 miles. Last year, Harvey Lewis set the American record with 108 yards, totaling 450 miles, and he is part of Team USA this year alongside Dowdle.
In a recent podcast appearance, Dowdle discussed the Australian ultra-running community's tendency to idolize top performers like Gore, suggesting that this focus sometimes overshadows the sport's broader competitive landscape. With the championship approaching, the question remains whether the Australian runners will heed Dowdle's call for a more challenging race or stick with their current course choice.
The Final Stretch
As the event nears, the tension between the teams is palpable. Dowdle's comments have ignited debates about the nature of competition and the spirit of the Backyard Ultra. Will the Australian team’s choice lead to questions about their commitment to the sport, or will they prove Dowdle wrong and deliver a strong performance?
The Backyard Ultra World Team Championship is not just about individual glory; it’s a test of endurance, strategy, and teamwork. As runners prepare for the challenge ahead, the dynamics of competition will play a crucial role in determining the outcome. Dowdle's remarks highlight the importance of pushing boundaries and embracing the spirit of competition, which is essential in a sport that thrives on both personal and collective challenges. With the stakes higher than ever, all eyes will be on the teams as they take on this unique and demanding format.
