From 1 to 3 August, the small desert town of Uis in Namibia’s Erongo region will once again transform into a hub of determination and physical endurance as the Brandberg Backyard Ultra (BBU)returns for its fourth edition.
First launched in 2022, the BBU has quickly cemented itself as one of the most anticipated events on Namibia’s running calendar. Often referred to as ‘the race with no finish line’.
The BBU is Namibia’s only non-stop ultra marathon of its kind, testing not only a runner’s fitness but also their mental stamina.
The format is brutally simple yet deceptively challenging. Participants must run a 6.7-kilometre loop every hour, starting on the hour. Each loop must be completed within 60 minutes, and runners must return to the starting line – known as the corral – before the next hour begins.
According to the organisers, the Scholtz family—Nico, Riana and their two sons—under the Namibia Ultra Trails brand, miss the deadline or fail to start the next loop, and you’re out.
In addition, Lazarus Lake, the creator of the backyard ultra format, said, “The longest distance in this race is often from the runner’s chair back to the starting corral. This captures the mental toughness required to keep going, loop after loop, through fatigue, nightfall, and the rising desert sun.”
This year’s event has attracted a record number of entries, with some of Namibia’s top endurance athletes set to take part. Names to watch include:
Andre Ross – Namibia’s current backyard ultra record holder with 26 loops (174.2 km), achieved during the 2024 World Team Championships. Ross also holds the Uis course record at 22 loops.
Erich Goeieman, the 2024 World Championship runner-up with 25 loops. Danielle Zimny – the last woman standing at the 2024 World Championship, where she completed 16 loops.
Hosted at the iconic Brandberg Rest Camp, the race draws together families, supporters, and fellow runners who camp out for the weekend.
The event actively supports three key Namibian conservation organisations: Pangolin Conservation and Research Foundation, Ocean Conservation Namibia and Save the Rhino Trust Namibia.
After the final loop is completed, a silent auction is held to raise funds for these causes. Representatives from each organisation will also be present during the event, hosting stalls and engaging with runners and spectators to raise awareness about wildlife conservation.
The BBU is proudly presented by RMB Namibia, who has supported Namibia Ultra Trails since 2015.
“We’re humbled by how much this event has grown, not just in terms of participants but in heart. This is more than just a race. It’s a celebration of human resilience, the spirit of community, and our shared responsibility to protect Namibia’s incredible landscapes and wildlife,” said Nico Scholtz.
-lmupetami@nepc.com.na