The first-ever edition of The Loop Backyard Ultra concluded this weekend at the scenic Domaine de Labourdonnais, as Irchaade GHANTY emerged victorious after completing an incredible 23 laps, or 154.1 km. This unique endurance event, based on the popular Backyard Ultra format, challenged runners to push their physical and mental limits in a test of will and stamina.
The race began with a field of 72 runners, each embarking on a 6.706 km loop every hour. As the hours passed, the field was gradually narrowed down. The atmosphere, however, was one of camaraderie rather than fierce competition, with family and friends cheering on participants every hour. The final head-to-head battle saw Irchaade GHANTY and the runner-up, Bryan MARTIN designated the “assist,” go the distance until the very end.
The race also saw a historic milestone as Regine Claine became the first woman to complete 15 loops at The Loop Backyard Ultra, finishing an impressive 100.5 km. Her remarkable endurance and performance set a new benchmark for female runners at this inaugural event.
The event’s success is a testament to the vision of Estelle Poupinel de Valence, a passionate runner with a deep connection to the trails and the spirit of ultra-running. “The Loop Backyard Ultra was designed to be more than just a race—it’s an experience that brings people together and celebrates the spirit of the ultra-running community,” said Estelle. “Witnessing the incredible determination of every runner, especially our winner Irchaade GHANTY, was truly inspiring. We are already looking forward to making next year’s event even bigger and better.”
The inaugural edition of The Loop Backyard Ultra was made possible thanks to the generous support of its partners. Standard Bank and Domaine de Labourdonnais were the Gold sponsors, while Terra and Necker Finance were the Silver sponsors. Bronze support came from ER hospitality, DLB construction, Farmstead, and Chantecler. Additional partners who contributed to the event’s success included C Care, Nouvelle clinique duNord, Nandos, Crystal, Tailwind, Health centre Labourdonnais, Neofoods, Spero, and Sport 2000.
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.
