Under the leafy canopy of Domaine de Labourdonnais, endurance took on a different meaning on August 29 as 91 runners gathered for the second edition of The Loop Backyard Ultra, an extraordinary test of stamina, resilience and mental strength. Every hour, runners return to the starting line and set off on the same 6.706-kilometre loop.
When endurance becomes a battle of will
Percy Driver emerged as the winner after completing 24 loops, covering 160.9 kilometres, an extraordinary feat of endurance that demanded far more than physical strength. With every passing hour, the field became smaller. Legs grew heavier, recovery time became increasingly precious, and the simple act of returning to the start demanded another measure of determination. Percy’s final challenge came from Zach Herbst, who completed 23 loops, or 154.2 kilometres, taking the runner-up position after remaining in contention until the very end. In the distinctive language of the Backyard Ultra, Herbst became the final “assist” , the runner who stayed in the race alongside the eventual winner until the decisive last loop.
A race where strangers become a community
At Domaine de Labourdonnais, the hours between loops became part of the story. Family and friends gathered to support the runners, cheering them on as they returned from each lap. Participants encouraged one another, shared conversations at base camp and offered support even as exhaustion began to take its toll. There was competition, certainly, but there was also an unusual sense of togetherness.
That is precisely what Estelle Poupinel de Valence, the founder of The Loop Backyard Ultra, set out to create. “I created The Loop Backyard Ultra because running is deeply personal to me,” she said. “I love this format because it allows runners to discover their limits one loop at a time, but even more than that, it creates a very special human connection.” For Estelle, some of the most meaningful moments happen away from the clock — between a runner and their assistant, in conversations around the base camp, or in the encouragement offered by people who may have met only that day. It feels like a community, almost like a family,” she said. That philosophy is becoming an increasingly important part of the event’s identity.
Growing without losing its soul
The Loop Backyard Ultra has grown since its inaugural edition, which attracted 72 runners. This year, the organisers also introduced duo spaces, allowing the format to evolve while retaining its original character. Yet bigger is not necessarily better, according to its founder. “We have now reached a capacity that feels right,” Estelle said. “The goal is no longer to grow bigger, but to keep the event authentic, warm and true to its original spirit.” It is a deliberate choice at a time when many sporting events measure success through growth, bigger fields and greater scale. For The Loop, success appears to be measured differently: by whether the event can continue to feel personal.
Anabelle Devienne sets a new benchmark
Among the performances that stood out was that of Anabelle Devienne, who completed 12 loops and 80.4 kilometres. Her performance established a new benchmark for female runners at the second edition of The Loop Backyard Ultra and offered another reminder of what the format demands. There is no traditional race strategy to rely on. The objective is simply to complete the next loop, recover, and prepare to do it again.
More than a race
The spirit behind The Loop extends beyond the event itself. Estelle Poupinel de Valence is a committed member of Mauritius’ running and fitness community. She teaches a yoga-inspired group class at a local gym and is co-founder of Runher Mauritius, an online platform created to encourage women to discover the benefits and enjoyment of walking and running. Across those initiatives runs a common thread: sport as a means of connection, confidence and personal discovery. That philosophy is particularly visible at The Loop Backyard Ultra, where experienced ultra-runners and those testing themselves in the format share the same starting line. “Witnessing the incredible determination of every runner, especially our winner Percy, was truly inspiring,” Estelle said. “We are immensely grateful to see this second edition grow even bigger and better.”
The support behind the miles
The second edition was made possible through the support of a wide group of partners. Domaine de Labourdonnais and Standard Bank Mauritius were the Gold sponsors, while Necker Finance was a Silver sponsor. Bronze support came from CNOI, Hardy Henry and Terra. Additional partners who contributed to the event’s success included DLB Construction, ER Group, Decathlon, Savanna 0.0, Swan, Nouvelle Clinique du Nord, Crystal, Tailwind, Spero, Neofoods, Nando’s and Mount.
About The Loop Backyard Ultra
The Loop Backyard Ultra is a unique running event in Mauritius, founded by runner and community builder Estelle Poupinel de Valence. 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. Based on the Backyard Ultra format, the event challenges runners to complete a series of laps, fostering an environment of support and encouragement. The Loop Backyard Ultra aims to inspire runners of all levels to challenge themselves and embrace the spirit of the outdoors and ultra-distance running.
