Isle of Wight ultra runner Terry Smith ran 136 miles without sleep to beat 115 rivals and claim his first Backyard Ultra victory.
Terry was the last man standing at the Devon & Cornwall Backyard Ultra at the weekend after a gruelling contest that began with 116 runners.
In the unusual Backyard Ultra format, competitors have exactly 1 hour to complete a 4.16-mile lap, known as a ‘yard’, before lining up to do it all over again on the hour.
The cycle continues through day and night until only 1 runner remains.
Terry completed 32 yards across 32 consecutive hours without sleep, clocking up 136 miles and more than 15,000ft of elevation – equivalent to climbing more than halfway up Mount Everest from sea level.
The feat is all the more impressive given that it was only the Island runner’s 2nd attempt at a Backyard Ultra.
Earlier this year, Terry pulled on an England vest at the Four Nations Backyard Ultra Championship in Northern Ireland, where he completed 34 yards and 142 miles as part of the national team.
His performances have now earned him another England call-up, with Terry invited to compete at the Four Nations Championship in Wales in April 2027.
He will be seeking sponsorship from Isle of Wight businesses closer to next year’s championship to help fund his 2nd England appearance in as many years.
Terry said:
“The support from generous local sponsors goes a long way towards helping me achieve my goals and gives me the opportunity to compete at this level.
“I’m incredibly proud to represent England, but I’m also proud to represent the Isle of Wight. Hopefully, through these events and the support of local businesses, we can continue to put our lovely little Island on the map.”
With his first Backyard Ultra victory secured and another England call-up to come, Terry can celebrate a remarkable 2026 – and another major endurance triumph for the Isle of Wight.
