This man ran a long way, for a long time, to claim 1st place in new ultra-marathon in Paradise

The Paradise Backyard ultra-marathon wrapped up over 24 hours after it began Sunday, with Peter Thompson being crowned the winner with 31 laps — long, long laps — behind him.

The event drew 150 runners who ran a 6.75-kilometre course every hour until only one competitor was left. 

Thompson clocked just over 209 kilometres in his effort.

"Going into this event I had a plan and put a lot of effort into training, into slowing down, and I was ready to test the limits and see what I could do," Thompson told CBC News on Monday, after a celebratory light morning run with his dog.

One lap after another ticked by with Thompson still running strong, well past his target of 22 laps and beyond the 24 laps that equalled 100 miles. 

He said the number of runners began to dwindle as the race entered its second day of competition, which was actually a detriment, he explained, since the camaraderie on the course began to dip.

But his team — like a NASCAR pit crew — kept him on the track.

WATCH | He ran 209 kilometres in a weekend. Now Peter Thompson has to mow the lawn:

Peter Thompson ran 209 kilometres this weekend — in a 30-hour ultra race in Paradise

6 months ago

Duration 2:23

The Paradise Backyard Ultra saw 150 participants run a 6.7-kilometre lap every hour, on the hour. Thompson was the last runner standing, notching 31 laps. Thompson told the CBC’s Mike Moore the exhilaration that came from the community turnout during the event and what’s next after this huge event.

"I can't do this without a team and a crew. We spent a lot of time as a group planning. I just didn't throw this together on Friday and say, 'This is what's going to happen,'" said Thompson.

"They're there to do all the little things, and then I just run the laps. Their whole purpose is to take care of me when I'm in the tent, so nutrition, comfort and rest."

Successful first run

Organizers of the first-ever Paradise Backyard ultra said they were blown away by the turnout for the race, especially since all proceeds went to charity.

"We were hoping that the event was going to go 24 hours, but at the 24-hour mark we still had four runners running, and it went to 31 hours," said co-race director Derrick Roul. 

Roul said there are already plans to go bigger next year. 

Thompson said he hopes to better his 31 laps at that event. 

"These events, you're always trying to push your limits," he said.

"We're hoping, I think as a community seeing what a success this was this year, hopefully people will put some time into this format, set themselves some lofty goals. There's no doubt in my mind that we can't hit 40 or 50 laps here."

Even Paradise Mayor Dan Bobbett got in on the action over the weekend, running one lap himself.

He said he'd like to aim for more next year but made no promises. But he was proud to receive the race proceeds for the to the town to donate to a charity of its choice.

"It's a win-win-win for everybody. It's a well-organized event, great venue. We love Paradise Park," he said.

"The excitement around this was amazing.… It was a great event. I'd like to see more of it."

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