Athletics: Dan Richmond wins inaugural Backyard Ultra Isle of Man

Joanne Howse finishes highest-placed female in grueling endurance event

Dan Richmond has been crowned winner of the inaugural Backyard Ultra Isle of Man.

Nearly 200 competitors took part in last weekend's event at Archallagan Plantation, with Richmond completing a mammoth 31 'yards' in 24 hours, 11 minutes and eight seconds to take the win 

He finished ahead of David Williams who got the assist in second at 30 'yards' in a time of 23 hours and 20 seconds whilst completing the top three overall was Tom Hughes who covered 27 'yards' in 23 hours, 14 minutes and 26 seconds.

Elsewhere, there was also double success for local runner, Joanne Howse who was the highest-placed female finisher (and sixth overall) and set the first Isle of Man women's record after covering 25 'yards' in 19 hours, 55 minutes and 30 seconds.

Outside of those, the team event prize went to 'Harry and his Crabs' for covering a combined total of 80 yards.

Making its debut on Manx shores this year, Backyard Ultra Isle of Man was officially launched by Backyard Ultra women's world record holder, Sarah Perry and also saw former Island athlete and women's 24-hour world record holder, Sarah Webster also in attendance providing support to one of the participants.

The demanding challenge of a 'Backyard Ultra' sees competitors complete a 4.167-mile loop, known as a 'yard', on the hour, every hour with those who fail to complete a loop within a one-hour period being eliminiated until just two remain for the final lap of the course.

You can view the full results from the 2026 Backyard Ultra Isle of Man HERE.