Kelowna runner crowned Canadian backyard ultra champion

A Kelowna runner has claimed Canada’s national backyard ultra title after covering nearly 550 kilometres over 82 hours.

Michael Serani ran 549.8 kilometres at the Backyard Ultra World Team Championship in Sicamous, B.C., finishing one lap ahead of Ontario’s Michael Rouleau.

The event features runners completing a 6.7-kilometre loop every hour, on the hour, until only one competitor remains.

Serani was one of 15 athletes representing Canada in the international competition, which featured more than 60 national teams. Canada finished ninth overall.

Competitors have only the time remaining in each hour to eat, hydrate and rest before starting another lap.

The championship tests endurance and mental resilience, with the individual winner determined by completing one more loop than the final rival.