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Duff Dog Backyard Ultra returns for second year, scheduled for Oct. 15

Lead Summary
By
Lori Sorenson

The Duff Dog Backyard Ultra is set for Saturday, Oct. 15, in the Blue Mounds State Park.
Last year at this time Luverne’s David Duffy hosted his first “ultra” running event that challenged athletes to complete 100 miles in one day.
“As of Sunday afternoon, we had 17 athletes signed up. Last year we had seven total,” Duffy said. 
“The talent we have this year is incredible. First, we have Tim Fryer and Eva Gut back from last year’s final two runners. If you remember, Tim outlasted Eva by completing 18 loops to Eva’s 17.”
He said in this year’s field there are three or four runners who have a chance to get to the 24-hour mark 1—100 miles.  
“With only one runner able to win, all of the runners will focus on getting their own personal record,” Duffy said.
Start time is 8 a.m. at the walk-in campsites and registration is open at https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=93946.
The backyard ultra is a form of ultramarathon race where competitors must consecutively run the distance of 6,706 meters (4.167 miles) in less than one hour.
When each lap is completed, the remaining time within the hour is typically used to recover for the next hour’s race.
The competition is for anyone to join and challenge themselves by running one hour, two hours or more.
“We invite folks to come check out the runners at the park beginning at 8 a.m.,” Duffy said.  
Key hours will be Hour 6 (1-2 p.m.) 25 miles. Hour 7 (2-3 p.m.) where runners will surpass the marathon mark in mileage. Hour 12 will be 7 to 8 p.m. when they hit 50 miles. Hour 18 will be 1-2 a.m. (Sunday morning) which will be 75 miles.
Hour 24 will be 7-8 a.m., the 100-mile mark.
Duffy will provide hourly updates on the runners through his Facebook page.

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