Preston Schaffer didn't consider himself a runner until four years ago. Now, the 39-year-old Regina massage therapist competes in backyard ultra marathons that can last for days.
Unlike a traditional race, where you run a set distance as fast as possible, a backyard ultra marathon requires runners to complete the same 6.7-kilometre loop every hour, on the hour, until only one runner remains.
The race is about endurance and balance. If a runner goes too hard, they'll burn out early. The record is 108 hours, for a total distance of 724 kilometres.
In August, Preston earned a spot on the Canadian national team by winning the Grassroots Ultra in Okotoks, Alta., with 35 laps totalling 234.7 kilometres.
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