OBU 2026 Review

A race of superlatives.

For the first time, more than 200 runners (204) started the 6th edition of the OBU on Saturday at 10:00 AM.
The participants came from nine nations. The race has established a reputation as a strong and well-organized Backyard Marathon.
Additionally, the race held silver status, which means direct qualification for the World Championships in October 2026. Excellent conditions for a long race.
The weather conditions were perfect from the start. The yards passed quickly, and the field thinned out only gradually.
Eighty runners reached 100km, and an incredible 35 even broke the 24-hour barrier at 100 miles.
With optimal conditions, many runners took advantage of the opportunity and improved their personal bests. This is what makes Backyard Marathon so enjoyable.
The last four women engaged in a fierce battle. Only when Daniela Prüß dropped out in lap 30, Souha Zouari in lap 31, and Jana Maluchova in lap 33 was the way clear for Shine Bar from Israel. With a fantastic 38 loops, she became Last Woman Standing and finished 5th overall.
Justus Fechner dropped out in lap 40. At 23 years old, an outstanding Backyard debut. Well done!
The last three were determined to make it count. Our three-time champion Ritvars Kalnins from Latvia. Markus Habermann with an impressive 48 loops (PB). And Niko Langner. With his PB of 26, nobody had him on their radar.
Day 3 brought more sun. Much more sun ;-). The temperatures rose, and with them, the exertion.
None of the runners showed any signs of weakness, however. The lap times were very consistent, carrying all three into the third night.
Only when Markus Habermann said goodbye to the last two runners in lap 59 did a decision begin to emerge.
Niko finished lap 60 smoothly in 44 minutes. Ritvars came into view, staggering, after 55 minutes. Continuing was impossible.
Niko Langner cruised to a perfect finish in Loop 61, securing the victory and the silver medal for the World Championships.
What a race! Thanks to everyone.

OBU 2026 results: https://my.raceresult.com/347772/results

Starting song OBU 2026: https://open.spotify.com/intl-de/track/2vWAgBC1BQEtbm0e80M9gr?si=7df157f892c54130