Ritvars Kalniņš of Valmiera secured his fourth consecutive victory in the Backyard Ultra ‘Lūša pēdās’ endurance race held in Jēkabpils, Latvia, from April 18 to 20, 2026. The Latvian runner completed 39 laps around the Riga Reservoir, covering approximately 261 kilometers in 39 hours, solidifying his dominance in the event that has grown significantly since its inception.
The race, which began at 11:00 a.m. Local time on Saturday, April 18, attracted 142 participants from four countries: Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, and Ukraine. Competitors faced a challenging 6.706-kilometer loop course around the reservoir, with each lap requiring precise timing to continue in the elimination-style format where runners must complete each loop within an hour to advance.
According to race statistics, achieving the marathon distance equivalent required completing seven laps (approximately 46.9 kilometers), although qualifying for the top 100 and receiving a special medal necessitated nine laps (approximately 60.3 kilometers). This year’s event saw a notable increase in participation, with nine laps now representing the threshold for elite recognition—up from just four laps required in 2023—highlighting the race’s evolving competitiveness.
Throughout the endurance test, 38 runners reached the 15-hour mark (100.5 kilometers), and 17 athletes endured the full 24-hour period, covering approximately 160.8 kilometers. By Sunday afternoon, after enduring cold nights and extended hours on the course, seven runners had surpassed the 30-lap mark (201 kilometers), including three Latvians, two Lithuanians, and two Estonians.
In the women’s division, Estonian runner Gerli Nikolajeva of Guide Running Estonia claimed victory by completing 30 laps, setting a personal best by improving her previous record by 12 laps. The competition saw notable attrition, with two-time defending champion Gita Muceniece withdrawing after 27 hours, while Inga Abu-Dema secured third place by enduring 20 hours on the course.
As the race progressed into its second night, the battle for victory intensified, with Kalniņš demonstrating exceptional resilience to maintain his lead and secure another triumph. His consistent performance over four consecutive years has established him as a formidable figure in ultra-endurance running, particularly within the Baltic region’s growing backyard ultra scene.
The ‘Lūša pēdās’ race continues to serve as a profound test of human endurance, drawing athletes seeking to push their physical and mental limits. With each iteration, the event gains prestige, reflecting the increasing global interest in backyard ultra formats that challenge runners to determine their limits through repetitive, self-paced effort.
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