Brandberg ultra returns to Uis 

The eagerly anticipated third Brandberg Backyard Ultra (BBU) is set for Uis this weekend.

The event will take place from 2 to 5 August at Brandberg Rest Camp at Uis in the Erongo region.

This year, all starting places have sold out, showcasing the event’s growing popularity among the long-distance running community.

Known for its unique format and friendly, supportive atmosphere, the event also serves as a fundraiser for environmental conservation efforts in Namibia.

The endurance spectacle will feature a full line-up of talented long-distance runners, all vying for the title of last person standing.

Notable participants include the BBU course record holder Andre Ross, who was the overall winner in 2022 and 2023, and Milton Kimbini, last year’s runner-up.

Others to watch are Kirsty Brits, the BBU women’s section course record holder and winner in 2022 and 2023, as well as Pamela Vurayai, the top Namibian woman runner who recently completed the five-day 250km self-supported Racing the Planet Namib Race.

The entry lists also consists of seasoned runners Hannes Smit, Johan Bronkhorst, Tobias and Corne Verwey, PC Visser, Jaco van den Berg, Harmen Potgieter, Hennie Lacock, Winnie Mukupuki, Achim Herma, Christo Horn, Elmarie Adriaanse, plus Naude and Katja Dreyer.

“This impressive roster of elite runners is sure to make the 2024 BBU an exciting and competitive event,” the organisers say.

Especially given that there is the incentive of a route to the World Championships for the top eight BBU finishers, who will automatically qualify for the 15-person Namibian team that will compete in the Backyard Ultra World Championships Namibian satellite competition, which is set to take place at Swakopmund in October.

“This prestigious event will see Namibia’s top long-distance runners compete against teams from 52 other countries in real time,” they say.

As is tradition an online auction will be held following the BBU race to raise funds for Namibia’s conservation efforts.

The auction, supported by sponsors, will feature a range of luxury Namibian accommodation packages and other items.

The initiative is part of the Namibia Ultra Trails’ ‘Rewild’ campaign, continuing the tradition of supporting vital environmental non-profit organisations in Namibia.

The auction’s beneficiaries are the Save the Rhino Trust Namibia, Ocean Conservation Namibia, Desert Lion Conservation, the Skeleton Coast Brown Hyaena Project, and the Pangolin Conservation and Research Project.

“We extend our deepest gratitude to RMB Namibia, the presenting partner of the Brandberg Backyard Ultra. The event is further supported by our wonderful sponsors, whose contributions are instrumental in making this event possible,” the organisers say.

“Join us at Uis this August for an incredible weekend of running, camaraderie, and support for vital conservation efforts.”