There is No Finish

The Backyard Ultra Story

Stephen Parker, Lazarus Lake, Harvey Lewis

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Paperback

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English

Running Forever
12 October 2024

Encyclopaedias & reference works; Extreme sports; Active outdoor pursuits

There is No Finish tells the roller-coaster story of the Backyard Ultra. Birthed from the high school musings of Lazarus Lake, renowned for the Barkley Marathons, the running event has spread globally-to over eighty countries- with sky-rocketing numbers.

Runners have up to one hour to complete a 4.1-mile lap. At the start of the next hour, again they attempt to complete the same lap. The race keeps going, with no finish, until all except one person gives up. The winner is the last one standing who does one lap more than anyone else.

With participants running until they drop, every race becomes an enthralling adventure with epic stories. Stephen Parker dives deep into the Backyard Ultra scene, running events, crewing for others, and exploring its amazing history. With races in Belgium, the USA, Australia, Sweden, Canada, Finland, South Africa, and many more, the book shares the agony and adrenaline of battles between colourful characters in stunning settings.

If there is no finish, how far can you run?

By: Stephen Parker
Notes by: Harvey Lewis
Foreword by: Lazarus Lake
Imprint: Running Forever
Dimensions: Height: 229mm, Width: 152mm, Spine: 14mm
Weight: 272g
ISBN: 9781763586314
ISBN 10: 1763586316
Pages: 220
Publication Date: 12 October 2024
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active

Stephen Parker has been running the streets and trails of Rochedale South, Australia, for over forty years. He adores his wife Ruth and four incredible daughters, and is the Associate Academic Dean for ACOM - the Australian College of Ministries. Since 1987 he has raced at least a half marathon every year, and since 2009 has been enjoying adventure races, rogaines, trail ultras and now Backyard Ultras. In 2016 he helped begin Underwood Park parkrun, where he continues to volunteer as an Event Director. The foreword is written by Lazarus Lake, also known as Gary Cantrell, the founder of the Barkley Marathons, Backyard Ultras and many more extreme running events.

Reviews for There is No Finish: The Backyard Ultra Story

As an ultra runner, it was like traveling to Disneyland. Akihiro Maeda, 2022 winner, Last Samurai Standing-Shimane, Japan. The title of Stephen Parker's new book says it all. If you like finish lines, a Backyard Ultra is not for you. But if you like reading about the crazy antics that take place during one of these extended sufferfests, this is a true page turner! Dean Karnazes, Ultramarathoner and NY Times bestselling author, USA. From the humble beginnings of BYU to the latest edition of Big's BYU World Championship in 2023, the author has captured the highlights and key milestones of this amazing event, from the battles among the sporting giants of this race to the struggles and quiet achievements of aspiring runners. Joshua Toh, 2022 Backyard Ultra champion, Singapore. Well-researched and utterly captivating, this book really resonated with me on a personal level. I found myself reliving certain events, even feeling a bit of trepidation as it approached the difficult parts of my races. Phil Gore, former Backyard Ultra world record holder, Australia A gripping narration of the history and evolution of the Backyard Ultra. This book will leave you inspired and awed by the limitless potential of the human spirit. Packed with enthralling experiences, it is a must-read for anyone fascinated by the thrill of relentless races. Ihor Verys, 2024 Barkley Marathons champion, Canada. This book shares the best ultra-stories of recent years, exploring the deep universe of the Backyard and other races founded by the king of superhuman limits - Lazarus Lake. It is about great effort, disappointment, and the ability to turn suffering into pleasure.Viktoriia Nikolaienko, 24-hour, 6-day & Backyard Ultra champion, Ukraine. Stephen has poured his heart and soul into creating this exceptional book. The result is a comprehensive and engaging guide that's a must have for anyone who loves Backyard Ultras. With its detailed history and insightful stories, this book is the ultimate resource for fans of the sport.David 'Patto' Patterson, Backyard Ultra Podcast host, Australia.