Karachi, Pakistan – The 2024 Backyard Ultra-World Team Championship concluded today, after taking place across 63 countries and 6 continents. The event brought together exceptional endurance athletes in an exciting and grueling challenge, with Pakistan represented by its own talented ultrarunners. Organized by the Margalla Trail Runners at the scenic Margalla Hills in Islamabad, the event saw a remarkable display of determination and endurance by Pakistan’s top ultramarathon runners.
Jamal Said emerged victorious, earning the title of Backyard Ultra-World Team Champion of Pakistan by completing an extraordinary 39 loops, covering a staggering distance of 241.42 kilometers (162.513 miles) over 39 continuous hours. This impressive achievement marks Jamal’s third consecutive win as Pakistan’s National Champion in this unique and intense event.
What is the Backyard Ultra?
The Backyard Ultra is unlike traditional marathons or ultramarathons. Each runner must complete a 6.706-kilometer (4.167-mile) loop every hour. The race continues until only one runner remains who is capable of completing a lap within the hourly time limit. This format not only challenges physical endurance but also mental resilience, as participants must keep a relentless pace for hours—sometimes days—on end. Runners who fail to complete a loop within the hour are assigned a “Did Not Finish” (DNF) status, making it an “all or nothing” competition.
Jamal Said’s Exceptional Performance
Jamal Said’s achievement of 39 loops speaks to his outstanding stamina, discipline, and commitment. Covering more than 241 kilometers over 39 continuous hours, he showed remarkable resilience as the only Pakistani runner to complete that number of loops, with his closest competitor unable to finish within the final hour. This win strengthens Jamal’s legacy as a dominant force in the Pakistani ultrarunning community, solidifying his reputation as a true endurance champion.
Jamal’s victory in this year’s Backyard Ultra event builds on his impressive track record, marking his third consecutive title as National Champion for Pakistan. His consistent success has made him a respected name not only locally but also in the international ultrarunning community.
Inspiring Female Runner Umaira Sheeraz Shatters Records
Adding further excitement and diversity to the event, Umaira Sheeraz, a talented female marathon runner, demonstrated her extraordinary strength and endurance by completing 25 loops. This achievement broke the previous record of 24 loops held by Cristina, setting a new benchmark for Pakistani female ultrarunners. Umaira’s performance has not only brought pride to the nation but also inspired a new generation of female athletes to pursue endurance running.
Her achievement reflects a growing interest and participation of women in ultrarunning events in Pakistan, and her success has sparked admiration within and beyond the ultrarunning community.
Support from Sponsors and the Community
The event saw a strong show of support from sponsors and community members. Neil Hawkins, the Australian High Commissioner in Pakistan, was a key supporter of Jamal Said. In a demonstration of camaraderie and solidarity, Neil Hawkins not only sponsored Jamal but also joined the runners on the trail, further motivating the participants.
World Athlon, a well-known sponsor in endurance sports, played a significant role by sponsoring Jamal Said and his team at the Margalla Hills Camp. Their sponsorship provided crucial support and resources to ensure that Jamal and his crew had the necessary provisions and assistance to perform at their best.
Pakistan’s Growing Presence in International Ultramarathons
The participation of Pakistani ultrarunners in events like the Backyard Ultra-World Team Championship highlights the country’s growing presence in the global ultrarunning scene. Organized by the Margalla Trail Runners, this year’s championship in Pakistan has inspired both male and female runners and set new records that will encourage future participants.
The success of athletes like Jamal Said and Umaira Sheeraz emphasizes Pakistan’s potential to produce world-class endurance athletes and showcases the growing support for sports infrastructure and athlete development in the country.
Conclusion
The 2024 Backyard Ultra-World Team Championship has left a lasting impact on Pakistan’s ultrarunning community. With Jamal Said’s impressive third consecutive victory as National Champion and Umaira Sheeraz’s record-breaking performance, Pakistan’s ultrarunners have proven their resilience and competitive spirit on an international platform. As the country’s ultrarunning scene continues to grow, it is clear that these trailblazers will inspire a new generation of athletes to push the boundaries of endurance and perseverance.