PORTLAND is set to host a world-record attempt for ultra running at a new endurance event tomorrow.
More than 50 runners are heading to the island this weekend to take part in a gruelling Backyard Ultra event.
Competitors must consecutively run the distance of 6,706 metres (4.167 miles) in less than one hour for as many laps as they can, as many times as they can.
“The current world record for a Backyard Ultra event is 86 loops of 4.61 miles and every time we do one people are out there to break it,” said Mark Steen managing director of organisers BustinSkin events.
“We have got 52 runners who will all be taking part. They have one hour to complete each lap and when each lap is completed, the remaining time within the hour is typically used to recover for the next hour’s race.
“Over the weekend runners will be provided with a fully waymarked route, amazing marshals, ample camping facilities, including motorhomes, toilets and food on-site, a bespoke medal and the winner will receive a one-off winners memento hand-carved from Portland stone.”
This version of the ultramarathon event, called the Portland Pig Backyard Ultra, is a version of the Backyard Ultra which was the brainchild of Barkley Marathons director Lazarus Lake.
The aim is to complete as many laps as possible in a bid to break the current record.
This is the first time Portland has hosted such an event and organisers are hoping to see people come out to support the runners.
Mr Steen said: “We chose Portland because we needed a place we could fit everything for the rest area and the route, as well as being a nice place to be with the scenic views.
“The runners cannot have any assistance but people can spectate around the course.
“It is good to get off the ground with this event, we have people coming from all over the country so I’d like to encourage residents to get down there and support the runners.”
The event officially starts at 12pm on Friday, April 28, and goes on until there are no more runners out of the starting 52.
The starting and end point of each lap will be on land just off Incline Road.
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