Forrestdale-based ultramarathon runner and reigning Backyard Ultra World Champion Phil Gore will be pursuing the ultimate challenge from 23-30 August of running 1127 kilometres. The event will be part of an effort to break his previous Backyard Ultra record.
The Backyard Ultra is a type of run in which competitors complete as many 6.71 km laps within one hour as they can.
Mr Gore will this time be aiming for 168 over a seven-day span.
Mr Gore is a working firefighter and father of four, who only took up Backyard Ultra racing a few years ago, and has already been nicknamed the “King of the Backyard” by the sport. A two-time Backyard Ultra world record holder with 14 wins from 16 Backyard Ultra events, he’s widely regarded as one of the most respected athletes in the sport.
Some of his previous achievements include running a total of 102 hours at Dead Cow Gully in Queensland in 2023, setting a world record.
He set another one at the same site in June 2025, achieving 119 hours. The same year, he achieved world champion status for attaining 114 hours at the Big Dog’s Backyard Ultra World Championship.
Mr Gore has expressed apprehension but also found a deeper meaning in the project.
“This isn’t just about seeing how far I can push myself. It’s about creating a new benchmark for endurance athletes, the way Roger Bannister made the four-minute mile feel possible. It might not be an official record, but I want it to become a mark other athletes chase,” he said.
The event, named Project 168, will be conducted in Forrestdale at Alfred Skeet Reserve to raise funds for Telethon. Anyone interested in running a lap with Mr Gore can book a spot at philgore.com.au/#phil.
