08/20/2026
It’s taken me a little while to find the right words for this one.
Trystan’s Backyard Ultra is something that started as an idea, and every year I’m reminded that it has become so much more than a race.
Standing there on Saturday morning and watching everyone line up for that first bell, I couldn’t help but think about how many people had come together to make this weekend possible.
Runners who chose to challenge themselves. Crews who stayed up late and kept showing up. Volunteers who gave their time. Sponsors who believed in what we’re trying to build. Friends and family who helped behind the scenes. And everyone who came out to cheer.
To every single person who played a part in this year’s TBU — thank you.
I know how much work goes into putting on an event like this, but I also know that I couldn’t do it alone. The reason this race means so much to me isn’t just because of the miles or the competition. It’s because of the community that continues to grow around it.
There were hard moments. There were long nights. There was rain, mud, exhaustion, and plenty of things that didn’t go exactly according to plan.
But there were also laughs, hugs, incredible efforts, people pushing past what they thought they could do, and moments that I’ll remember for a long time.
That’s what TBU is about.
So from the bottom of my heart, thank you for showing up and believing in this little race that started with a bell and an idea.
I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve built together.
And while I’m still taking a little time to reflect on this year…
I already know one thing.
The bell will return. 🔔
Thank you for making Trystan’s Backyard Ultra what it is.
- Trystan.
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