Under a sunny sky and amid cool morning temperatures, runners pushed themselves to the limit Saturday at Loudy-Simpson Park during the 2025 Broken Brain Backyard Ultra. The race, which is a grueling test of endurance alongside the Yampa River, left just one finisher standing after nearly 22 hours of almost continuous running.

Peter Surgent, 45, of Steamboat Springs claimed victory in the event, setting a new course record with 22 laps, or a total of 91.67 miles. Surgent held a steady pace throughout the ultra-endurance event and outlasted runner-up David Rhodes, 39, who completed 21 laps (87.5 miles) and earned the official “Assist” designation.

“With Backyards, technically there is just one finisher. Everyone else is a DNF,” said Ken Rogers, who is the race’s former organizer. “The winner must go one lap farther than the runner-up. A very important key to going a long distance is having at least one other person who can go almost as far. Peter and David are friends who have trained together so it was a good match although Peter said he could have kept going.”

The backyard format challenges athletes to complete a 4.167-mile loop every hour on the hour. Runners are eliminated if they fail to finish a lap within the one-hour window, and the event continues until only one competitor remains.

“This race went smoothly,” said race director Mark Buchanan. “Pete and David pushed each other deep into the early morning. Pete definitely could have gone further.”

A total of 21 participants started the ultra. Third place went to Michael Brenner, 66, who completed 13 laps in 13 hours, 57 minutes. Marty Blevins, 54, finished fourth, followed by Jeremy Browning and Brad Reidhead, both 48, who logged 11 laps each. Molly Cain, 34, was the top female finisher with 11 laps, narrowly edging out Arthur Rinker and Rowyn Carmichael.

In addition to the ultra, the event included a citizens race, which is a more casual, non-competitive run and walk event. Julie Lind was the first to finish among citizens race participants, an event designed to promote inclusivity and participation over competition.

“It’s a great chance for families and community members to get involved,” Buchanan said. “We had people out with strollers just enjoying a relaxed lap around Loudy.”

Conditions were favorable for most of the day, with highs reaching the mid-70s.

“Overall, the race was a success with lots of finish line support including cowbells ringing and families cheering,” Buchanan said. 

Now in its second year, the Broken Brain Backyard Ultra continues to grow in both participation and community involvement. The race raises awareness for individuals affected by diseases such as ALS, Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s.

“I feel like we give runners a chance to test their limits,” Buchanan said. “And we give the community a chance to rally behind them.”

Local sponsors played a key role in the event’s success including KS Creations, The Print Shop, Moffat Mercantile, Rabbit Ears Running Company, Murdoch’s and MJK Hardware.

“I’ve been race directing and volunteering for over 40 years,” Rogers said. “The Backyard is by far one of the most fun races I’ve done. Everyone supports each other, whether they finish one lap or 20.”

For full results from the Broken Brain Backyard Ultra, please visit RunSignUp.com/Race/Results/Simple/185479#resultSetId-556615;perpage:100