Rantall runs for Aus

by Nicholas Duck
Trafalgar's Jason Rantall had the chance to represent Australia last week in the Backyard Ultra World Team Championship.
The ultra-marathon event saw 67 nations compete in teams of 15 as they aimed to collectively complete as many laps - or 'yards' - of the 6.71km course as possible, with each lap being under a strict one-hour time limit.
Jason ended up contributing 61 yards to Australia's total of 1069, which saw the team finish second to the United States' 1120. It also was Australia's highest ever total at the event, bettering their 971 from the 2024 edition.
As the oldest member of the team (and affectionately known as 'Stalwart') Jason described the run - which took more than 60 hours - as one of the most challenging he had undertaken.
That was in large part thanks to the start time. With the championship being a satellite event it meant all nations began at the same time, with the Aussies taking off at 11pm at the Kembla Grange course.
"It really took its toll on everyone," Jason explained. "You've used a lot of energy tickets already by the time you start."
For Jason, whose best backyard ultra result was 67 yards, the early goings were the toughest, as his aching legs and back had him almost ready to call it by yard 18.
"I was just in tears, sobbing uncontrollably because I thought that was it."
Fortunately, some physio work and encouragement by Jason's crew and the rest of the team had him back on track, even as he struggled mentally.
"The best part is the team just rallied around everyone. They're the most amazing people you could have in a team, any time someone was struggling someone dropped back and ran with them," he said.
"My crew too, they kept getting me out there. As much as I argued with them and said some words I regret they ended up being right. Without the crew I'm out at 18, if they're not there I'm not going very far."
Despite losing his way mentally, Jason was proud of his efforts.
"I'm very happy and content now. But if I'd pulled out at 18 would I be happy and content? No way.
"I'll definitely take more out of this than my 67 yard run... what an experience. What an unbelievable experience, and nobody can take it away from you."
The Australians began the race strongly, making it to yard 40 before losing a runner. Unfortunately that happened to be their number one seen Jonathan Ash, who entered the competition nursing an injury.
Australia continued without loss until Jason bowed out, after which they rapidly lost runners until entering the 80s with just two remaining.
Number two seed Dan Carmac ended up taking out the Australian title with 87 yards, ahead of Ben Nicholls as runner-up (or as the 'assist' in Backyard Ultra terms).
Backyard Ultra history was made elsewhere in the competition as Belgian duo Ivo Steyaert and Merijin Geerts both achieved 124 yards - setting a new world record - before deciding to bow out together and share the record.