In 2024, the Backyard Ultra competitions returned to Romania. I was excited about that and I wanted to be more than just a simple participant.

I found out about UNDERDOGS – THE BACKYARD ULTRA 2024 a year before the start date. I was definitely going to participate. However, I wanted to do something extra. Since I personally had to both forced and lucky to go abroad for several BYU race, in order to satisfy this “craving” for backyard ultra, I wished that the Romanian runners be able to run a genuine “Backyard Ultra” right here in our country. This was made possible after a year (2023) in which there were no such competitions in Romania.

Beatrice Ionescu, the Race Director and heart of UNDERDOGS event bestowed upon me the “quality” of BYU ADVISOR. This way I had the joy and honor of sharing my experience, knowledge, and philosophy related to this ultramarathon concept. I had the opportunity to present everything I know about this format. First we agreed for a LIVE session on Facebook (in July). Then I had discussions with the participants registered for UNDERDOGS – THE BACKYARD ULTRA 2024.

It wasn’t just that. I immediately identified myself with the idea of the “underdog.” In fact, that’s exactly how I felt during our first Romanian “last man standing” competition in May 2021: an “underdog,” an “outsider,” a runner rated with little chance of becoming the last survivor. Back then I managed to be the “assist” with 33 hours.

Before each BYU race I tried to stay true to the principle that a “backyard ultra” does not resemble and should not be associated with any other type of ultramarathon. I knew this even before the first BYU. And I reinforced my idea after each competition.

On the other hand this type of ultra has a more rebellious, less formal face. What I have noticed among the Romanian runners was not only a desire to try something new or something that tests their limits. But especially the fact that they felt the need to express themselves as freely as possible while running, starting from the idea that they are not imposed a distance or a time limit.

And free expression in running comes with the possibility of dreaming openly about achieving a great personal result. This includes aiming to be the last runner standing.

At UNDERDOGS – THE BACKYARD ULTRA 2024 the whole story was unique, starting right from the course. It is located in the middle of nature, in a mountainous setting. However, most of the 6.7 km route is on asphalt. The route was made up of three loops, with the final part being an uphill.

Unique was also the tough combination of details that I only felt during the race: the intense heat, a route mostly exposed to the sun and the asphalt covering 80% of the distance. Thus, the challenge was no longer to reach a high number of “laps,” but to endure each hour.

I managed to stay in the race for 12 hours (from 10 AM to 10 PM), covering over 80 km. I had actually started with an even smaller target (6-7 hours). But round numbers always attract me. If in other BYU competitions I went with the idea of “flying” or “floating”, since the course allowed for that state, at Brebu I felt every step of the run intensely and it shook every part of my body. Maybe I overdid it, as I ended up with severe back pain and a general state of physical exhaustion. The race left bruises o my mental sate. Still, I would have been even more mentally affected if I hadn’t pushed the limits to the max.

BYU doesn’t mean to feel good for a while, then give up running. If after a “backyard ultra” I said I felt good and that everything was wonderful, it would mean I hadn’t fought hard enough with myself or with the hours and that I hadn’t given my best.

Although high energy and attention were greatly necessary during the 12 hours of competition I had the time and curiosity to observe what was happening in the race. Having already a general idea of what happens in a “backyard ultra,” I wanted to find out what exactly is confirmed and what is not.

The most impressive thing is to see the runners’ reactions and attitudes towards themselves and towards the competition they are part of. It’s amazing to see that some people, even though it’s their first BYU, have special experiences that are only found at the Backyard Ultra. An example would be the decision to complete the full 6.7 lap, even though they knew they wouldn’t make it in time. They could have turned towards the finish somewhere around the halfway point of the route.

For me, UNDERDOGS BACKYARD ULTRA 2024 had two plans: the one of a participant and that of a team member. It wouldn’t be fair to say that I contributed anything to the organization of the event, but I was very happy to know that the information and ideas I proposed were taken into account. And for that I am grateful to Beatrice.

As planned, I stayed in the Start/Finish area after I stopped my run. I wanted to watch the race from the sidelines. It’s true, it was hard for me to process the every news of the athletes who remained in the competition while I had already withdrawn. I didn’t really understand what was happening and why I wasn’t at the starting line anymore.

I tried to be the one announcing the three minutes left until a new start and even announcing the departure for a new hour of the competition. And all of this happened in the middle of the night. I realized that it’s just as hard to stay focused on the “competition” as a member of the “staff.” After all the athlete in me needed rest, so I went to sleep around 3 AM. It was two steps away from the Start/Finish line, which means I had dreams with whistles and cheers.

At UNDERDOGS – THE BACKYARD ULTRA 2024 I ran alongside strong, dedicated and cheerful athletes. I noticed a huge enthusiasm among many of the 29 participants regarding the concept of “backyard ultra.” Some novice participants had impressive “logistics.” Others seemed very connected to their race. There were also people who pushed themselves beyond what seemed to be their usual limit. All of this made me understand that most of the people were well-informed, well-prepared, and these perfectly understood what the “spirit” of Backyard Ultra means.

What I appreciated the most was the heart put into it by the event organizer, Beatrice Ionescu. It wasn’t just heart; it was also: mental and physical effort, extensive research, enormous time dedicated to preparations, organizational and leadership qualities.

I thank her and congratulate her for everything she managed to create in Brebu since the first edition. I appreciate the fact that she took into account my ideas, advice, and recommendations.

Through UNDERDOGS event, “the spirit of backyard ultra” has returned to Romania, marking the beginning of a new phase of development for this concept in our country.