Last Legs Backyard Ultra in Würzburg, Germany

The invitation to the first Last Legs Ultra in Würzburg came directly from the event organizers, Last Legs Ultra Würzburg, or more specifically from Jörg Schweighöfer himself. A Backyard Ultra right along the Main River, a brand-new event, and an exciting concept—it was impossible to say no. Two weeks before race day, there was already a small preview of what was to come: together with the marketing team, we filmed a few running scenes during a relaxed interview session. Back then, the excitement was high, although nobody knew how long the day—or rather, the night—would actually become.

On race day, I set off for Würzburg in the morning with my camper van. Despite the competitive setting, the atmosphere on site was surprisingly relaxed. The first step was simply to arrive, set up camp, prepare everything, and enjoy a bit of downtime before the bell rang precisely at noon for the first lap. This unique Backyard Ultra format is exactly what makes the event so appealing: 6.7 kilometers per lap, a new start every hour on the hour, continuing until only one runner remains.

The course followed the banks of the Main River and essentially consisted of two smaller loops connected by an out-and-back section. Participants ran on car-free paths and temporarily closed cycling routes around the skate park and the Main meadows. The loop was varied, fast, and, perhaps surprisingly, never became monotonous.

What stood out most was the atmosphere along the course. Since the race took place on a public holiday, the Main meadows were packed with people. Families and groups were grilling, playing games, or simply enjoying the day outdoors. After only a few laps, more and more spectators and passersby gathered along the route, applauding, asking questions, or simply watching in disbelief as the runners passed by hour after hour. This combination of community event and ultrarunning challenge gave the day its unique charm.

My lap times settled into a consistent rhythm of around 43 to 45 minutes. That left enough time after each loop to eat, drink, change clothes, or simply catch my breath before the bell rang again. These short breaks became especially valuable during the night. They helped keep fatigue under control, and physically I felt remarkably strong for a long time.

Meanwhile, the field gradually became smaller. By the evening, it was obvious that many runners had already dropped out. That's the nature of a Backyard Ultra: early on, it feels almost like a fun run, but later only a handful of runners remain, quietly battling themselves and the clock. With every lap, the atmosphere became calmer, more focused, and at the same time more intense.

Everything felt surprisingly good well into the early morning hours. Eventually, however, stomach issues began to set in. Eating became increasingly difficult, my body struggled to absorb energy, and it quickly became clear that there was little point in pushing on any longer. After 18 hours, I finally made the decision to stop.

Even so, I was left with a strong sense of accomplishment. Eighteen hours in a Backyard Ultra represents not only a significant number of kilometers but also a long mental journey through moments of euphoria, routine, darkness, and exhaustion. The inaugural Last Legs Ultra in Würzburg was a powerful demonstration of what makes this format so special—and why Backyard Ultras continue to captivate so many runners.