Runners gearing up for Pilbara Trailblazers’ Backyard Red Dirt Ultra Marathon

Pilbara runners are gearing up to run in the red dirt and mud to see who will be the last one standing in an upcoming ultra marathon.

The Red Dirt Backyard Ultra on June 25 near the Balmoral Road caravan park will involve competitors running a 6.7km course every hour for 12 hours.

The event has been organised by Pilbara Trailblazers, a running club formed in 2021 to give Pilbara residents more opportunities to participate in running events.

Pilbara Trailblazers club president Zoe Rutherford said the ultra marathon would be a unique event.

“You don’t need to be an ultra-runner to take part — you can complete one lap, two laps, three laps or set a big goal like reaching marathon distance,” she said.

“It’s a great opportunity to enjoy a new event in our own local area with family, friends, work colleagues, gym buddies or others in your community.”

She said the inaugural Red Dirt Backyard Ultra was set for 12 hours to give the community a taste of ultra marathons.

“And if someone does complete 12 laps, that’s 80km; it will be a big achievement,” she said.

“Some of the event competitors are seasoned runners and others we think might surprise us with how far they can go — they’re the ones to watch. We’re looking forward to seeing who will be left standing.”

The Trailblazers are also planning a run festival series to be held in conjunction with Karratha’s annual FeNaClNG Festival on July 30 that will include a 5km, 10km and half-marathon option.

“We know there is a lot of interest in our community for a multi-distance event like this because there is something for everyone,” Ms Rutherford said.

“Local runners are telling us they are already out training for the half-marathon and that’s exciting. We’re aiming for this to be on a par with an event like City to Surf and to become an integral part of the FeNaClNG festival weekend.”