Kelowna resident Michael Serani clinched the title of Canada’s backyard ultra national champion by clocking a total distance of 549.8 kilometers in 82 hours. The event took place in Sicamous, B.C., as part of the Backyard Ultra World Team Championship, where teams compete to accumulate the most kilometers.
Unlike traditional races, backyard ultra events have no defined finish line. Participants must run a 6.7-kilometer loop every hour without a break until they can no longer continue. Serani was among the 15 runners representing Canada in the competition, facing off against over 60 other national teams.
Serani secured the Canadian championship by completing one more loop than his competitor, Michael Rouleau from Ontario, who achieved a distance of 543 kilometers. Canada ranked ninth in the team competition, earning points every time a runner completed the 6.7-kilometer loop.
During the race, crews played a crucial role in supporting the runners, akin to a Formula One pit crew but focusing on tasks like nutrition, hydration, and managing physical issues such as chafing and blisters. Serani’s crew, led by Barry Nakahara, provided essential support throughout the event.
Nakahara commended Serani’s positive attitude and determination, emphasizing his exceptional sportsmanship. He mentioned the collaborative effort among crew members, including Serani’s wife and her family, who took over support duties when Nakahara had to step away temporarily.
In the high-stakes backyard ultra competitions, victory often comes down to completing one additional loop when the second-to-last runner drops out. Serani’s supportive nature and encouragement to fellow competitors to push themselves further has earned him respect among his peers.
The intense nature of the race requires meticulous planning and support from dedicated crews to ensure the runners can sustain their performance over the grueling hours. Serani’s victory highlights not only his physical endurance but also his ability to inspire and uplift his fellow athletes in the challenging competition.
