The fifth edition of the RMB Brandberg Backyard Ultra delivered a historic weekend of endurance, with both the men’s and women’s course records shattered as runners pushed their limits in the shadow of Namibia’s iconic Brandberg.
A total of 77 ultra runners, comprising 54 men and 23 women lined up for the main event, while a further 85 runners took part in the Challenge category and 44 participants joined the Fun Run, making the milestone fifth edition one of the biggest yet.
The race reached new heights when competitors were still on the course as the sun rose over the Brandberg on Sunday morning – a first in the event’s history. After switching to the night route on Saturday evening, the remaining runners returned to the daytime course for Lap 25, greeted by enthusiastic supporters who had stayed through the night.
By then, only two athletes remained: four-time defending champion André Ross (54) of Namibia and Kim Sonntag (44) of South Africa. Ross, who entered the race holding the men’s course record of 22 laps (147.53 km), once again displayed remarkable consistency, completing most laps in around 42 minutes. Sonntag matched his determination, repeatedly returning with only minutes to spare before the start of each new lap.
Both runners rewrote the record books. Ross completed 26 laps (174.36 km), surpassing his previous course record and equalling the Namibian Backyard Ultra record he set during the 2024 Backyard Ultra World Team Championships in Swakopmund. Sonntag also produced an outstanding performance, setting a new women’s course record of 25 laps (167.65 km).
The race concluded dramatically when both athletes began Lap 26 together. Under Backyard Ultra rules, each 6.706-kilometre lap must be completed within one hour. Ross comfortably finished within the time limit, while Sonntag crossed the line just over the hour, meaning her final lap could not be counted.
As the only official finisher of Lap 26, Ross was declared the winner. Several other runners also impressed during the gruelling event. Donatus Aihuki completed 21 laps, while Buks Gous and Milton Kimbini each reached 20 laps.
Former women’s course record holder Danielle Zimny finished 18 laps, while Naudé Dreyer, Richard Reid and Tobias Verwey each completed 17 laps.
Competitors also battled unusually warm winter conditions, with daytime temperatures climbing into the mid-30s, although many welcomed a cooling breeze along sections of the route. Organisers, Namibia Ultra Trails, congratulated every participant, noting that each lap represented a personal victory regardless of the distance covered.
Organisers thanked presenting partner RMB Namibia, Brandberg Rest Camp, sponsors, volunteers, supporters and the many spectators whose encouragement helped create an unforgettable atmosphere throughout the weekend.
With record-breaking performances, growing participation and continued support for conservation, the fifth RMB Brandberg Backyard Ultra has cemented its place as one of Namibia’s premier endurance events.
By Rudi Bowe
