Kilcornan Woods and Garden was the dramatic setting for one of Ireland’s toughest endurance challenges as Galway Trail Running AC hosted the Western Yards Last One Standing – Backyard Ultra (LOS BYU), the official Connacht qualifier for the All-Ireland Championships this August.
This year’s event saw the June Bank Holiday as its new home. Providing better weather and more hours of daylight compared to the 2024 edition in November. The start / finish area in the Kilcornan Walled Garden was full of festival family friendly vibes across the whole weekend. Galway Trail Running Athletic Club have put huge effort into ensuring the event has a strong community atmosphere and they sure delivered!
The race began at noon on Saturday, May 31st, and pushed runners through the day and into the night, only concluding on Sunday evening after 29 hours of racing. In classic Backyard Ultra (BYU) format, athletes tackled a 6.7 km loop every hour, on the hour. If they failed to start the next loop in time, they were out. The race ends only when a single runner completes a final solo loop — earning the title of Last One Standing.
This year’s overall winner was John Gordon of Mayo AC, who completed a staggering 29 loops, totaling 194.3 km (120.7 miles). His tenacity earned him not only the LOS title, but also the honour of captaining the Connacht team at the All-Ireland Championships. He’ll also receive a complimentary entry to defend his Connacht crown next year.
The opposite sex title went to Dawn O’Dowd, who DNF’d on Loop 15, but held on the longest among all female entrants - a remarkable performance of endurance and grit.
Both winners were awarded a pair of Saucony trail running shoes, generously sponsored by Booley, and a SOMA wellness hamper — fitting rewards for pushing mind and body to the limits.
Shane Begley of Galway was the final assist, dropping after Loop 28 and helping push John into his winning lap — an effort that secured both men their places at the national championship.
Race Director Aidan Cleary, leading the event on behalf of Galway Trail Running AC, was supported in the lead-up by club chairman Francis Kelly, who, despite being denied travel clearance by his partner, played a vital behind-the-scenes role in the event's success.
Aidan praised the Brothers of Charity Services, Garden manager Caroline and her team for providing such a lovely venue for the weekend.
For those unable to attend in person, the event was also streamed live, with viewers tuning in across the country to watch the action unfold loop by loop. The atmosphere, community spirit, and sheer determination of the runners came through loud and clear on screen.
Volunteers were the backbone of the event — covering registration, first-aid, and cleanup.
With the Connacht qualifier wrapped up, the focus now turns to the All-Ireland LOS BYU Championships in August, where Connacht — led by John Gordon — will face off against Ireland’s best, one loop at a time.