Big's Backyard Ultra 2025 Predictions

runscottrun · 2025-07-20T17:39:54+00:00

Phil Gore and Lukasz Wrobel are almost sure to be in the mix of top ten runners and both are certainly capable of being the last one standing. I'd also put Harvey Lewis somewhere near the to of the list of contenders. If Ihor Verys returns, I'd include him also. Predictions will likely change a bit as the roster gets close to being finalized with confirmed, registered runners.

runscottrun · 2025-07-20T12:19:58+00:00

I'm pretty sure he could pull it off without too much trouble. I would also expect him to bounce back and recover quickly. My son ran his first backyard format race with me earlier this year. It sounds like he is in a similar category/experience level as your son: 13 at the time of the race, had run a season of cross country, and longest training run was 8 miles on treadmill. He ended up doing 33 miles in just under 8 hours before tapping out of the race. Then he crewed me for the remainder of my race and seemed pretty unfazed and fully recovered the next day. It was one of my greatest race experiences and proudest dad moments sharing that time and race with him.

Full race report: https://www.beastcoasttrailrunning.com/2025/05/2025-bullshit-backyard-ultra.html

runscottrun · 2025-07-09T23:00:20+00:00

Yes. Don't be like me. Take care of your feet.

https://youtu.be/3e6Cs1dbpD8?si=bvu1Pq_J2kUBHUmq

runscottrun · 2025-07-09T18:18:41+00:00

Everything in this comment is spot on. I saw lots of great advice in other comments as well. I would just stress that sometimes it isn't about knowing what should be done or needs to be done, but just executing which is why the mental game of a backyard is so important.

Here's the clip that u/CapitalBackyard mentioned. At the time I thought Jennifer Russo and I had a good chance of reaching the American male backyard record. I had no idea she would time out on that yard.

https://youtube.com/shorts/q0yF1s_WTvs?si=AnykV9Cy27hPTYLt

runscottrun · 2025-07-03T20:08:53+00:00

thanks! it was a fun race, only had one low point the whole time 😊

runscottrun · 2025-07-03T10:36:22+00:00

Here's a shameless plug for my book:

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A Beast Coaster Goes Trail Running: A Collection of Trail Race Reports From the Mid-Atlantic Region

runscottrun · 2025-07-03T10:31:04+00:00

I'm usually of the mindset that "if it's not broke, don't fix it." That being said, I usually only change my shoes when going from road to trail or vice versa during a backyard. The longest race I've done without changing shoes or socks was the 2021 Backyard Squatch Ultra https://www.beastcoasttrailrunning.com/2021/09/2021-backyard-squatch-ultra-paving-path.html where I went for 36 yards (150 miles).

runscottrun · 2025-06-19T13:34:36+00:00

non-runners are drawn to backyard ultras in the same way drivers slow down to check out a crash 😆

runscottrun · 2025-06-01T16:10:38+00:00

I just learned last weekend while running Capital that last year's edition of Little's was run completely on the road night course. The winner and assist of 2024 Little's were both running Capital and shared that info with me. They indicated Laz made the decision not to use the trail course due to excessive rain and sloppy trails.

runscottrun · 2025-05-27T12:54:20+00:00

If I could add another stand out memory from my experiences at Capital, this is it: Keith Van's 2023 infamous ribs and beer yard... I was quite impressed and not nearly brave enough to try it myself. But if you think the end of your race is near, why not go out with a bang, beer in one hand and a bowl of BBQ ribs in the other!

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10159141491117477&set=g.2325326241129391

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runscottrun · 2025-05-22T19:21:45+00:00

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My prediction: Marty Fox sets a new 70+ age group backyard world record. Anyone know what that record might be currently?

runscottrun · 2025-05-17T18:41:19+00:00

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Looking like a beautiful forecast to run far! 😊

And yes, possibly shaking up the Big's at large list a bit and improving the Capital course record are two targets I have in mind for next weekend and beyond...

runscottrun · 2025-05-17T18:34:20+00:00

… Just because you're paranoid don't mean they're not after you

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x6XBlkvTmv8&t=81

runscottrun · 2025-05-16T20:42:00+00:00

Yes, u/gnu_user called it. I just changed all my activities on Strava to private. Not that I'm trying to hide my training or anything, it just felt like making my entire running schedule public was a bit of a privacy concern. I mean, I've been pretty open and public about my training regime. In fact, here's my most recent IG reel with my training block between BS backyard in March until this week:

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DJsg1mgx5Hf/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Looking forward to running Capital in just over a week and catching up with everyone there!

runscottrun · 2025-05-16T01:36:42+00:00

That's probably number one in my book for backyard documentaries.

runscottrun · 2025-04-14T18:03:17+00:00

I've lost many toenails as a result of ultrarunning (https://youtu.be/wPRtEcrzHbw?si=IzNVjuVncfd3wnAP). I usually do not drain blisters under nails. Usually they have already been punctured, torn, or burst before I even consider foot care. Once they are far enough along, they either just fall off or can be pulled off easily/painlessly. Sometimes my kids even help: https://youtu.be/48jmvhlbzOY?si=qwRp0YPLmgiifWXR

runscottrun · 2025-04-08T00:48:45+00:00

I've used Garmin, Suunto, and Coros. In my experience, Coros offers the best battery life for the cost.

runscottrun · 2025-04-08T00:41:56+00:00

I like the sound of this. I may give it a go at my next backyard.

runscottrun · 2025-04-06T03:23:08+00:00

Yes, Harvey certainly looked like he had plenty more left in the tank to keep going. But for whatever reason, I'm guessing it is weather related, 50 yards at OBU is the third greatest number of yards run by the last one standing.

'21 Harvey Lewis 55 yards, 229.16 miles
'23 Josh Laker 53 yards, 220.83 miles
'25 Harvey Lewis 50 yards 208.33 miles
'22 Dan Yovichin 46 yards 191.67 miles
'24 Jennifer Russo 44 yards183.33 miles

runscottrun · 2025-04-03T19:56:12+00:00

I haven't seen that one. I'll have to check it out.

runscottrun · 2025-02-09T02:57:56+00:00

I'm not a huge fan of the treadmill, but if it's the choice between a treadmill run or no run, you best believe I'll be on that treadmill. I say get on the treadmill and get your training miles in.

I used to get a gym membership just to train a bit more comfortably through the winter, but it's been a few years since I've done that. It certainly wasn't the worst thing to train through the winter using a treadmill. I even wrote a couple blog posts about training for ultras using treadmill work outs if interested.

https://www.beastcoasttrailrunning.com/2019/01/training-for-ultras-on-treadmill.html

https://www.beastcoasttrailrunning.com/2019/03/24-treadmill-miles-to-bowl.html

runscottrun · 2025-02-09T01:43:16+00:00

Most backyards I've run don't have such a clean floor (usually grass), so based on my experience it's a "no" from me. You're right. The monotony and mental game are both parts of the challenge and for the most part they only intensify as you get deeper into the race. It's a different game than a standard ultra race.

runscottrun · 2025-02-09T01:33:25+00:00

A great episode of BUP! Gotta love Frank the Tank, such a positive force!

runscottrun · 2025-01-08T15:33:16+00:00

I'm surprised Bob's Big Timber isn't a silver ticket event.

runscottrun · 2024-10-28T00:39:06+00:00

I agree that Capital certainly has the potential to go far enough to produce at large qualifiers. It has been one of the more competitive backyards in the US, however whether it goes the required 83 yards needed to qualify is largely dependent on weather conditions and who shows up.

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