Pushing the Limits: The Brokenagan 24-Hour Endurance Run Recap

The inaugural Brokenagan 24-Hour Endurance Run at Sovereign Lake Nordic Centre was nothing short of extraordinary. Athletes from across the region came together to test their grit, determination, and endurance on our challenging 4.17-mile loop format. The atmosphere was electric—part competition, part community, and all about pushing personal limits.

The Challenge

The concept of the Backyard Ultra is beautifully simple, yet brutally tough: runners must complete one 4.17-mile loop every hour, on the hour, until only one athlete remains. This year’s Brokenagan included both the Backyard Ultra and the continuous 24-Hour Endurance Run, offering athletes two ways to take on the mountain.

The 24-hour event tested every element of endurance running: pacing, fueling, hydration, sleep deprivation, and mental toughness. The weather added its own challenges, shifting from warm daytime sun to cool nighttime air, demanding constant adaptation from participants.

Standout Performances

We witnessed incredible displays of perseverance and strength:

• Solo Male Champion: Adam Tuck with 18 laps (75.06 miles)

• Solo Female Champion: Trish Higgins with 17 laps (70.89 miles)

• Team Champion: Good Human Run Club, covering 91.74 miles

Many athletes celebrated personal records—whether it was running farther than ever before, completing their first nighttime trail loop, or simply toeing the line at such a demanding event.

A Perfect Event for First-Time Ultra Runners

One of the most exciting aspects of the Brokenagan is how welcoming it is to first-time ultra runners. With no cutoff time for each loop, participants were able to set their own goals—whether that meant completing just a few loops, hitting a personal distance milestone, or chasing the full 24 hours.

This format creates a safe and fun environment for those new to ultras. Runners could take their time, regroup between loops, and lean on the supportive community of fellow racers and volunteers. Many first-time participants achieved distances they never thought possible, proving that endurance running is as much about heart and determination as it is about speed.

Strategy & Spirit

For most participants, the key to success was balance: running just fast enough to leave time for recovery, while keeping a steady pace to endure hour after hour. Aid stations were stocked with everything from electrolytes to hot broth, keeping runners fuelled through the night.

But the Brokenagan wasn’t only about the miles. It was about the community spirit—runners cheering each other on, volunteers offering endless support, and crews working tirelessly behind the scenes. Stories of grit and kindness filled the course: a runner sharing their energy with another in need, a volunteer staying late to hand out warm broth, or a group pacing each other through the toughest nighttime loops.

Volunteers: The Heart of the Event

With our loyal volunteers, the event ran smoothly from start to finish. From course marking and aid station support to timing and safety, they made the Brokenagan possible. Many athletes commented that the encouragement from volunteers gave them the extra push to keep moving when fatigue set in.

Looking Ahead

The inaugural Brokenagan 24-Hour Endurance Run has set the bar high for future editions. With so many personal victories and community connections forged on the trails, we’re already looking forward to next year.

Up next in our series: the Freaky Creeky Trail Race in Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park on September 20th—featuring 13km, 27km, and 52km distances. Whether you’re chasing a podium, a personal best, or the joy of running in beautiful Okanagan trails, this event promises to be another unforgettable experience. For more information

Earn Your Race Series Jacket

Don’t forget—race or volunteer in 3 of our events this season to earn your exclusive Triple Crown Series Jacket, awarded at the final event, Freaky Creeky. LINK