Recently, Danushka Matteo broke the Sri Lankan record by running 160KM continuously for 24 hours at the Backyard Ultra race held in Sherwood Pines – Nottinghamshire, England, organized by the Rasselbock Running Association. He maintained an average time of 52 minutes and 57 seconds throughout the 24 laps, with his fastest lap recorded in the 17th lap, which was 50 minutes and 41 seconds.
The Backyard Ultra is one of the toughest long-distance running formats in the world. Each runner runs 4.167 miles (6.706 km) in one hour, with the remaining time allowed for rest until the next hour begins. Runners who fail to complete the distance within the allotted time are eliminated from the race, and the race continues without stopping until only one runner remains. The last runner is declared the winner. The race can last for days. This format is considered one of the toughest races in the world, as it tests both physical and mental strength.
The previous Sri Lankan record holder for this Backyard Ultra was Andrew Gopal Krishnan, who clocked 9 hours in Switzerland in 2025, which was surpassed by Danushka Matteo, who clocked 24 hours.
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