16/04/2026
2 RIVERS BACKYARD ULTRA WRAP UPS!
We’re proud to share the amazing journeys and stories from our 5 coached runners at this year’s 2 Rivers Backyard Ultra!
ANNIE GILBERT
Last year, Annie completed 5 yards (33.5km) at this event — a performance that pushed her right to her limit at the time. Under Coach Sarah’s guidance, she returned this year ready to take it up a notch… and did exactly that. Annie smashed out 6 official yards and even completed her 7th lap, narrowly missing the cutoff — bringing her total to 48km! An incredible effort. For someone who hadn’t previously ticked off a marathon, she’s now done one… and then some!!!
CAMERON KENLEY
Deciding just 6 weeks ago that he needed an event, we thought — why not give our local BYU a crack? And give it a crack he did.
Under Coach Sarah’s guidance, and without having run further than 34km in training, there was plenty of unknown heading into race day. But Cam showed up with a positive mindset, dug deep, and toughed it out to complete 9 yards — over 60km!
If not for some gut issues, his legs were ready to carry him even further. An awesome effort, Cam — we can’t wait to see what’s next with a longer prep!
MELISSA GUNN
Mel tackled every single — consistent, steady, and strong all day long.
Mel’s original goal when she began training was simply to tick off a marathon, having never run beyond a half marathon before. Well… she absolutely smashed that goal, completing 10 yards and over 67km — and taking Josh along for the ride!
Amazing work! And let’s be honest — if you saw her support crew, it’s safe to say we were all a little jealous!
COACH SARAH
Backing up after a strong run at Buffalo Stampede just two weeks prior, Sarah picked up a last-minute spot and jumped into the BYU field.
Embracing the atmosphere and the chance to share the experience with her runners, she ran purely by feel — knowing this one was about a good time, not a long time. That approach had her coming in as front runner on multiple laps, averaging a quick 37–38 minutes (not ideal if you’re chasing big yardage!).
Sticking to the plan, she wrapped things up at 10 yards — even with plenty of time up her sleeve — but, true to form, didn’t finish in the chair. Heading back out for Yard 11 with Noah, she rounded out the day at 70km.
ANDY ROGERS
Always in it for the long haul when he steps up to a BYU start line.
The most experienced BYU runner in our town (not just our club), Andy is the definition of methodical and organised. He’s also incredibly generous with his knowledge, always willing to share his experience to help others on their own journey.
Heading into this year, Andy had his sights set on another PB, his current best sitting at an incredible 31 yards (207+km). Backed by a strong support crew, and armed with a well-tested race and nutrition plan, things were tracking beautifully… until they weren’t.
While the body held up, nutrition became the limiting factor. As food intake dropped, the calorie deficit grew, fatigue set in faster, and nausea crept in. Each yard became tougher than the last, though he still managed to stay ahead of the clock.
With sunrise came renewed energy from the sidelines, but the nausea wouldn’t ease. Andy returned from yard 24 with just 90 seconds to spare. Lisa had everything ready — chair, food, support — but deep down, he’d already decided this would be his last.
But if you know Andy, you know his mantra: “never quit in the chair.”
With seconds ticking down, his son Alex sent him back out to honour those very words. So he step on the start line for Yard 25, headed out. But made his way back. Absolutely spent.
24 yards, 163km later, Andy rang the finisher’s bell. While it wasn’t the PB he was chasing, he left absolutely everything out there — and that’s all you can ever ask.
Inspiring as always, Andy. Incredible effort.
Until next time......:)
