A new and challenging ultra-running race, The Loop Backyard Ultra, will take place on September 5, 2025, at the scenic Domaine de Labourdonnais in the northern region of Mauritius. This unique event, based on the popular Backyard Ultra format, will test the endurance and mental fortitude of runners in a demanding yet supportive environment.
The ultimate endurance challenge
The Loop Backyard Ultra challenges participants to complete a 6.706 km (4.167-mile) loop every hour, on the hour. Runners must finish each loop within 60 minutes. Any remaining time within the hour allows them to rest, eat, change gear, or recover before the next loop commences. The race continues, hour after hour, until only two runners remain.
The competition then intensifies into a head-to-head battle. The last two runners will continue until one fails to complete a loop within the hour or chooses to stop. The remaining runner, provided they complete their final loop within the hour, is declared the winner. The runner who completes the second-to-last loop is designated the “assist”.
The inaugural edition of The Loop Backyard Ultra – Domaine de Labourdonnais will feature a limited field of 50 to 70 runners, ensuring a focused and competitive race. Should pre-registration applications exceed this cap, selection will prioritise runners with significant prior experience in ultra-distance events, specifically their longest single-event distance.
A race born from passion
Organisers are planning a dynamic course that showcases the beauty of Domaine de Labourdonnais. Unlike traditional races, a Backyard Ultra fosters a strong sense of camaraderie and community. Family members and friends are encouraged to support their runners every hour, creating a unique and uplifting atmosphere for both participants and spectators.
The Loop Backyard Ultra is the vision of Estelle Poupinel de Valence, a passionate runner with a deep connection to the trails and the spirit of ultra-running. Her running journey began in 2007 with 10 km races, evolving into a love for challenging 40 km trail runs. After a hiatus due to personal and professional commitments, Estelle returned to the trails in 2023 with renewed energy and a passion for ultra-distances.
“Thanks to the unwavering support of my family and special friends, I embraced longer distances and the unique spirit of the ultra community,” says Estelle.
Beyond her personal running achievements, Estelle is a dedicated fitness enthusiast, teaching a yoga-inspired group class at a local gym. She is also the co-founder of Runher Mauritius, an online platform dedicated to empowering women to discover the joys of walking and running.
Driven by her love for sport, community, and the outdoors, Estelle is now embarking on a new adventure: organising unique running events. The Loop Backyard Ultra at Domaine de Labourdonnais is her first venture, born from a desire to create an event that is “not just a race—it is an experience designed to challenge, inspire, and bring people together.”
Details regarding registration, course specifics and further event information will be released in the coming weeks. Interested runners and spectators are encouraged to visit https://www.the-loop-backyard.com or email us at contact@the-loop-backyard.
