Olympic bronze medalist Molly Seidel is heading off-road. The 30-year-old marathoner announced this week that she’ll make her ultramarathon debut next February at the Black Canyon 100K, a point-to-point trail race in Arizona known for its fast, rugged course and deep elite field. The move comes as Seidel begins a new chapter in her career, … Read more
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The sign over the inflatable start/finish line of the 2025 Big’s Backyard Ultra World Championship reads “there is no finish,” but that’s not true. There was a finish, for one runner anyway. It just took 114 hours and 475 miles of running to get there.
For the uninitiated, the backyard ultra is a concept so simple it’s flat-out maniacal. Run a 4.167-mile loop on the hour, every hour, until you can’t go a step more. This format, invented in 2011 by who else other than Gary “Lazarus Lake” Cantrell, mastermind of the Barkley Marathons, has gained enormous popularity over the past decade-plus. So much so, his original race, Big Dog’s Backyard Ultra, or simply “Big’s” now serves as the world championship for a season of backyard ultras around the world.
The world championship alternates as an individual competition on odd years and national team competition on even years. That means many of the 75 runners who toed on the line at 7 a.m. on October 18, 2025, in Cantrell’s literal backyard in Belt Buckle, Tennessee, have spent two years training for this one objective.
After 114 hours of racing—that’s 4 days and 18 hours, and also a jaw-dropping 475 miles—Australian firefighter Phil Gore, 39, finished Big’s Backyard Ultra as the last runner standing. Belgium’s Ivo Steyaert is credited with the assist after lasting 113 laps.
“You stink!” Gore’s wife Gemma cried into his shoulder at the finish before asking, “You done?”
“Forever,” Gore replied.
Gore, who set the backyard ultra world record this June with 119 laps (496 miles) at the Dead Cow Gully Backyard Ultra in Queensland, Australia, used his experience and speed to his advantage. He averaged just 46 minutes per lap (just over 11 minute-per-mile pace), giving him time to eat, power nap, and take care of himself before having to go back out and do it all again at the top of the hour. (In comparison, Steyaert averaged 53:52-minute laps.)
Gore emerged victorious after a hard-fought battle with Steyaert and America’s Jon Noll and Harvey Lewis (a two-time world champ). The Americans dropped after 111 laps (or “yards”), and Steyaert made it two more before becoming physically incapable of carrying on. After one more lap, that made Gore the 2025 Backyard Ultra World Champion.
Sarah Perry Sets Women’s Backyard Ultra World Record
Sarah Perry rings the bell after tapping out of the 2025 Big’s Backyard Ultra in a new backyard ultra world record of 95 laps. (Photo: Jacob Zocherman)
Just four women toed the start line of the 2025 Big’s Backyard Ultra. But they made the most of it. Sarah Perry, 34, from the U.K. set a women’s backyard ultra world record of 95 laps (395.8 miles), surpassing the 84-lap mark set Megan Eckert last year. She finished as the second woman this year with 92 laps.
“It took me two whole days to warm up,” Perry told Outside Run. “My legs felt awful and I seriously questioned what I had done wrong and considered that maybe I had overtrained.”
But Perry, an accomplished fell runner who runs for Inov8, powered through. She trusted the process and just continued to put one foot in front of the next as temperatures yo-yoed from above 80 degrees Fahrenheit during the day to under 40 degrees at night, with sun and rain pelting down intermittently.
“Thankfully I came out of the other side and finally found what can only be described as a flow state,” she said. “There were many lows including IT band pain, torrential rain and sickness. The highlights are endless, I was literally living my dreams and couldn’t believe that I was competing at Big’s, in Laz’s backyard with people that I usually watch from afar.”
On the Ground (Literally) at Big’s Backyard Ultra
Covering a backyard ultra is hell. Covering the world championship, where runners are inclined to runner longer than ever, is lunacy. That means there was just one person for the job: Jacob Zocherman, a Swedish veteran combat photojournalist who has covered armed conflicts and natural disasters across the world ranging from the South Sudan to Yemen, the Central African Republic to Haiti.
For nearly a week, Zocherman subsisted in a tent at the start/finish on Cantrell’s property, hardly sleeping as he captured the harrowing beauty and insanity of this event for the rest of us living pretty back at home.
We asked Zocherman to document the life cycle of this event, and he delivered. Enjoy.
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The running scene in New York City matches the vibrant and diverse pulse of the area, offering myriad route opportunities, from riverfront runs to city park loops. Tack on the literal hundreds of running clubs and a number of iconic races, and you’ve got a community that matches the hustle of the city.
One such running club is Mile Style Run Club, a Bronx-based club that started with humble roots in 2016 and has grown into a group that hosts upward of 90 runners. The club’s founder Miguel Hernandez saw the health challenges the Bronx faced — ranking as the most unhealthy county in New York state — and felt the pull to do something about it.
The Bronx, New York.
Running started out as a personal love affair for Miguel and turned into a deeper mission to grow a community of runners in his home borough. Watch Miguel’s story in the video below, sponsored by HOKA. Then read on for trail recommendations, run clubs to check out, the best running events in the city, and where to find a fresh pair of HOKA running shoes in the city.
[Editor’s Note:Click here to watch the full film on YouTube.]
Where to Run in New York City
The best thing about running in the city? You can lace up, step out your door, and take off. But if you’re looking for something more specific, check out our AllTrails picks below or head over to AllTrails to see more recommendations.
Central Park Trail
This route on the Central Park Trail starts at the southern end of Central Park and goes through iconic highlights of the area, including the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir, East Meadow, and Harlem Meer, before ending at the northern boundary of the park. This trail is a respite from the city where you can run in the trees and through sprawling lawns.
Trail Details
AllTrails Rating:4.6 stars
Level: Easy
Length: 3.9 miles
Elevation Gain: 190 feet
Hudson River Greenway: Battery Park to Riverside Park
The Hudson River Greenway follows the Hudson River and goes by Little Island, the iconic floating park. Enjoy riverside views the entire length of the trail or head over to Little Island and check out the scene from there.
Trail Details
AllTrails Rating: 4.7 stars
Level: Easy
Length: 5.3 miles
Elevation Gain: 75 feet
Prospect Park Loop
If you’re looking for a run that feels social-adjacent, head out on the Prospect Park Loop. This route goes around Prospect Park, which hosts concerts and dance performances in the summer. During the summer months, the park is usually filled with people enjoying the sunshine, and the trail goes through a ravine of the city’s last remaining forest.
Trail Details
AllTrails Rating: 4.7 stars
Level: Easy
Length: 3.7 miles
Elevation Gain: 154 feet
Miguel Recommends: Van Cortlandt Park Trail
This trail gives you a good route through most of this secluded park in the city. Located in The Bronx, the pathway is mostly paved though some sections aren’t. You can trim and adjust this trail based on your mileage needs or pick up different offshoots as you run.
Trail Details
AllTrails Rating: 4.4 stars
Level: Easy
Length: 7.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 429 feet
New York City Run Clubs to Check Out
The city hosts around 200 running clubs, so there’s no shortage of groups to join up with and get immersed in the community. If you’re looking for a bank of running clubs to check out, head over to the New York Road Runners site for club info. Below are a couple of run club suggestions.
Mile Style Run Club
Every Wednesday night at 6:30 p.m., join Miguel Hernandez at 940 Garrison Ave in the Bronx for an open community run and walk. There’s no membership fee, and Mile Style Run Club is a community-based group with a mission to improve the overall health and well-being of Bronx residents. Find them on Instagram for up-to-date info.
World’s Fair Run Crew
The World’s Fair Run Crew is a HOKA-sponsored club based in Queens. Every Wednesday at 6:45 p.m., they meet at Pong Arena Sports Bar for a 3- to 4-mile, all-pace community run. There’s no membership fee to join.
Running Events in New York City
When you think of races in New York City, the first thing you might think of is the TCSNew York City Marathon, which is among the largest marathons in the world. In 2024, it had 55,646 finishers.
Below are a few lesser known events to sign up for if you want to get a taste of New York City races.
BKLYN MILE
This annual road race runs along Kent Avenue under the Williamsburg Bridge and then through the heart of North Brooklyn. So we ask: How fast can you run a mile? The mile-long race brings in the most competitive runners while also appealing to those of all abilities and experience levels. According to the race’s website, “Running the BKLYN MILE is like getting shot out of a cannon and falling into a mosh pit. But in an exhilarating way.”
Front Runners Pride Run
Since 1982, the FRNY LGBT Pride Run has grown to become the largest LGBTQIA+ sporting event in New York City and one of the largest in the world. The race is four miles long and the course goes through Central Park, starting on East Drive. A portion of the proceeds from the event goes toward donations to New York-based LGBTQIA+ organizations.
Where to Find Your Next Pair of HOKA Shoes
If you’re ready to lace up in a fresh pair of HOKA running shoes to lay down some miles in New York City, head over to the HOKA brand store on 579 5th Ave or the Flat Iron store at 172 5th Ave.
[Editor’s Note: This article is sponsored by HOKA. Thank you to HOKA for its sponsorship of iRunFar, which helps to make iRunFar happen and free for all to enjoy. Learn more about our sponsored articles.]
As ultra runners, we’re always looking for tools and resources to support our training and racing goals. Check out this resource that fellow runners have found valuable.
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Participants and families raced through the festive course with costumes and high-energy fun
SAN DIEGO, Calif. – SeaWorld San Diego welcomed runners and walkers for the second annual Howl-O-Sprint 5K Run presented by Road Runner Sports on Oct. 19, 2025. Participants experienced a spirited 3.1-mile course winding through the park’s marine life exhibits, complete with Halloween-themed decor, costumed characters, and festive photo opportunities. Families also joined in the fun with the Kids 1K Run, adding to the celebratory atmosphere that blended fitness, community and seasonal excitement.
The men’s 5K division was led by Tim Vail, who finished with a time of 16:23, followed by second and third-place finishers, Shelby Hernandez Jr. and Sergio Estrada. Brigitte Doctor led the women’s division with a time of 19:08. Hollie Sick and Brandi Crown came in shortly after to claim second and third place in the women’s 5K. Manuelita Badachi placed first in the non-binary division, finishing the 3.1 miles in 23:12, with Nolan Michelle and Reina Remigio claiming second and third-place in the non-binary 5K.
“The Howl-O-Sprint is such a highlight for us,” said Sean Daughtery, Vice President of Operations for SeaWorld San Diego. “It combines family, fun, fitness, and a festive Halloween atmosphere, providing participants a unique chance to enjoy the park in an unforgettable way.”
The event featured a lively morning filled with costumes, high-energy music and support from SeaWorld team members and spectators along the route. Participants were awarded a race shirt and one-of-a-kind finisher medal, with top finishers receiving Road Runner Sports gift cards. Many guests extended their day by enjoying SeaWorld’s Halloween Spooktacular and Howl-O-Scream activities, rounding out the experience with trick-or-treating, themed entertainment and nighttime scares.
For more information about the SeaWorld Howl-O-Sprint 5K and all SeaWorld events, visit SeaWorld San Diego’s website.
ABOUT SEAWORLD
SeaWorld is a leading marine life theme park and accredited zoo and aquarium that provides experiences that matter while educating and inspiring guests of all ages to care about marine life. Welcoming millions of guests every year, the parks offer fun and enriching experiences from up-close animal encounters and year-round educational programs to award-winning marine-life themed rides and attractions, special events and exciting entertainment. For more than 60 years SeaWorld has advanced the conservation of marine life in and outside its parks through science, education, and exceptional animal care that is Humane Certified by American Humane and accredited by the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. SeaWorld is one of the largest marine animal rescue organizations in the world, helping more than 41,000 animals to date. The SeaWorld Conservation Fund, a non-profit foundation established in 2003, has provided more than $20 million to nearly 1,400 organizations to advance critical research on every continent. A portion of park proceeds goes toward supporting these longstanding conservation commitments. SeaWorld parks are in Orlando, San Antonio, San Diego and Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE). SeaWorld is part of the United Parks & Resorts (NYSE: PRKS) portfolio of theme park brands. For more information, visit us at SeaWorld.com.
As ultra runners, we’re always looking for tools and resources to support our training and racing goals. Check out this resource that fellow runners have found valuable.
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[Editor’s Note: This article is part of an occasional series on the unique opportunities and challenges of growing older as a runner.]
This weekend, I will be running the Javelina 100 Mile in my home state of Arizona. This will be my third time toeing the line at this fantastic event. The first time I ran Javelina back in 2007, it was a smaller, more intimate affair than it is now. That year, as a 40-year-old, I competed for the win with my long-time friend and rival Jorge Pacheco, who ultimately prevailed in a winning time of 15:49. I ended up second place in 16:34. Last year, after 17 years away from the race, I returned to Javelina and finished again, this time in 116th place in a time of 22:42.
AJW proudly displays his 2024 Javelina 100 Mile belt buckle.
I have spent a fair bit of time over the last year reflecting on the experience of running the same race 17 years apart. Of course, I cannot help but dwell on the fact that I have slowed by over six hours in those intervening years. On the other hand, I take pride in the fact that I am still going and healthy enough to train for and run 100-mile races, however slow my times may be. Going into this year’s race, I am savoring the fact that running significant races with big challenges is not only a privilege, but also a gift — a gift that we older runners should never take for granted.
This year, my race plan will be simple: Run a little bit faster than last year. In my build-up to the race this year, my training has followed a familiar pattern that I have developed over three decades in ultrarunning: long runs on the course, a three-day training camp, occasional tempo runs, and consistent daily recovery runs. Looking back over a couple of decades of training logs, this familiar pattern emerges as an example of, “if it’s not broken, don’t fix it.”
The author running the nighttime section of the 2024 Javelina 100 Mile.
Back when I lived in the San Francisco Bay Area in California and trained often on the Western States 100 course, one of my regular training partners was the late Mark Richtman. Mark was always a pleasure to train with as he had a relentlessly positive attitude and seemed to enjoy training almost more than racing. I recall at the end of our last long training run for the Western States 100 back in 2006, he said something that always struck me:
“Well, AJW, we’ve split the bananas, scooped out the ice cream, added the hot fudge sauce and all the toppings, now all that’s left to do is put the cherry on top.”
Mark Richtman on the coastal California trails he loved. Photo courtesy of Gary Wang.
My 2025 Javelina 100 Mile, being the gift that it is, will certainly be the cherry on top of my training. Coming toward the end of a year when I took on a new full-time job, ran my first 250-mile race, and welcomed my first granddaughter into the world, it seems like an entirely fitting gift with which to complete the year. I hope to see some of you out there!
Bottoms up!
AJW’s Beer of the Week
This week’s Beer of the Week comes from Marin County, California, where Mark Richtman called home. Fieldwork Brewing Company in Corte Madera, is known for its hazy IPAs, and in my opinion, their best one is Postcards from Fiji. It is a slightly bitter hazy, brewed in the old-school style of classic New England IPAs. It’s a great beer to have with barbecue or a burger, or just on its own as the cherry on top of a perfect run.
Call for Comments
Have you had an experience of returning to a race or route after a long time away? How did it feel?
In what other ways do you mark the passage of time as a runner?
As ultra runners, we’re always looking for tools and resources to support our training and racing goals. Check out this resource that fellow runners have found valuable.
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Australian ultrarunner Phil Gore has won the 2025 Big’s Backyard Ultra World Championships in Bell Buckle, Tennessee, completing an extraordinary 114 laps of the 6.7-kilometer course, a total of 764 kilometers over nearly five days of continuous running. Britain’s Sarah Perry also made history, setting a new women’s Backyard Ultra world record with 95 laps … Read more
As ultra runners, we’re always looking for tools and resources to support our training and racing goals. Check out this resource that fellow runners have found valuable.
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Over 10,000 participants will receive their finisher medal in the world-famous Rose Bowl Stadium
PASADENA, Calif. – TheRose Bowl Half Marathon & 5K hasrevealed the medal designs for their 10th anniversary event on Jan. 18, 2026. This year’s design highlights the famous façade of the Rose Bowl Stadium, featuring the iconic “Rose Bowl” signage and stemmed rose, and was created by Badges & Medals, the race’s Official Medal Supplier. Each participant will be awarded their medal after crossing the finish line on the 50-yard line of the Rose Bowl Stadium, making for a fitting memento of their accomplishment.Registration for the event is now open and is expected to sell out.
The Rose Bowl Half Marathon & 5K is one of four annual running events produced byThe McCourt Foundation, a Los Angeles and Boston-based nonprofit whose mission is to cure neurological diseases while empowering communities to build a healthier world by funding research and programs to advance neurological health, foster community wellness and make a lasting impact. The organization also hosts its Neurological Symposium and Spring Soiree each year. The race provides a one-of-a-kind race experience, touring participants through Pasadena and its notable landmarks like the Colorado Street Bridge, Old Town Pasadena and Caltech. The event is expected to host over 10,000 participants from around the nation and world.
“Our team at The McCourt Foundation looks forward to welcoming thousands of runners to the beautiful city of Pasadena each year, whether they be locals or visitors enjoying a race-cation,” said Brian McCourt, president and chairman of the board of the McCourt Foundation. “To top it off, the event also furthers our mission, allowing us to donate more than $6.7 million to neurology research and to generate more than $76 million forour 125+ nonprofit charity partners.”
The Rose Bowl Half Marathon & 5K is the second event in the three-raceConquer LA Challenge which begins with theSanta Monica Classic in September, followed by the Rose Bowl Half Marathon & 5K in January, and wraps up with theASICS Los Angeles Marathon in March. Those who complete the challenge will receive a medal for each completed race, as well as the Conquer LA Challenge medal.
Race day will also feature theRose Bowl Kids Run, which will take kids ages three to eight on a ½ km journey that ends on the Rose Bowl field. This Rose Bowl Kids Run is a part of theKids Run LA Challenge, which also includes the Santa Monica Classic Kids Run and LA Kids Run. Kids who complete all three races will be awarded a Kids Run LA Challenge medal to celebrate their accomplishments.
For more information about the Rose Bowl Half Marathon & 5K, visit mccourtfoundation.org and follow The McCourt Foundation onFacebook,Instagram andLinkedIn.
ABOUT THE MCCOURT FOUNDATION
The McCourt Foundation (TMF) empowers communities to build a healthier world through research, education, and events. TMF’s mission is to cure neurological diseases while empowering communities to build a healthier world. TMF makes a difference by donating to neurology research, hosting educational forums, and using our events such as the ASICS Los Angeles Marathon, Rose Bowl Half Marathon & 5K, Santa Monica Classic and Boston Waterfront 5K, as platforms to raise funds for over 125 nonprofit charity partners. Since its inception, TMF has donated more than $6.7 million to neurology research and generated more than $76M for our nonprofit charity partners. Established in 1992, TMF is a 501 (c)(3) with offices in Boston, MA and Los Angeles, CA. For more information, visit mccourtfoundation.org.
As ultra runners, we’re always looking for tools and resources to support our training and racing goals. Check out this resource that fellow runners have found valuable.
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This year’s edition of the race that started the backyard ultramarathon craze, the 2025 Big Dog’s Backyard Ultra, saw Sarah Perry of the U.K. set a new women’s record of 95 “yards,” totaling 395.8 miles (637.0 kilometers).
Perry exceeded the prior women’s record of 87 yards, or 362 miles (583.3 kilometers), which was set by Megan Eckert (U.S.) at last year’s Big Dog’s Backyard Ultra, by eight laps, or 33.3 miles (53.6 kilometers). Eckert also raced this year and was the second-to-last woman standing with 92 yards, or 383.3 miles (616.8 kilometers). After 95 hours of racing around 4.1667-mile (6.705 kilometers) laps, Perry exited the race, citing an increasingly sore back, with nine men left to continue.
Sarah Perry ending her 2025 Big Dog’s Backyard Ultra after 95 laps, totaling 395.8 miles, a new women’s backyard world record. Photo: INOV8/Jacob Zocherman
For those unfamiliar with the backyard ultra format, which was created by Gary Cantrell, aka Laz, of Barkley Marathons fame, racers complete laps of a 4.1667-mile course, called a yard in backyard ultra speak, starting each lap at the top of the hour. Runners continue until they either miss the one-hour cutoff or choose not to continue on. The format of racing has become popular around the world, and the Big Dog’s Backyard Ultra is considered the world championships of the format. The world championships alternate between crowning a winning team and a winning individual each year. For this particular event, racers switch between running a lap that is part trail during the 11 hours of daylight and a pure road lap for the remaining 13 hours of the day. It doesn’t matter how fast they run each lap; runners just need to be back in the start corral when the next lap starts on the hour.
This year’s race, which is held in Bell Buckle, Tennessee, started at 7:00 a.m. local time on Saturday, October 18, with 75 runners from 40 different countries on the startlist, including the current and a former women’s and men’s world-record holders. Four women lined up for the event this year, including Eckert, who won the 2024 edition of this race with 87 laps, breaking the record set by American Jennifer Russo, who ran 74 yards in 2023. Russo, the oldest competitor at the event this year at 59 years old, was the first woman to stop after completing 52 yards (216.6 miles/335.2 kilometers). Edit Fűrész of Hungary made it 76 laps (316.6 miles/509.6), leaving only Eckert and Perry. Eckert is no stranger to multiday events and is also the current six-day world record holder with 603.155 miles (970.685 kilometers) and was able to exceed her old backyard world record by five laps before stopping after 92 laps (383.3 miles/616.8 kilometers). Perry continued on for three more laps, thereby setting the women’s backyard ultra record at 95 yards.
Perry has several years of experience at this race format. She ran and won the overall of her first backyard ultra in 2021 at the Backyard Ultra Cymru in Wales with 20 laps (83.3 miles/134 kilometers), and then she won the overall at the 2022 Cow Shed Backyard Ultra with 33 laps (137.4 miles/221.2 kilometers). She qualified for Big Dog’s Backyard Ultra by winning the U.K. Backyard Ultra World Team Championships with 59 laps (245.8 miles/395.6 kilometers).
Perry on her way to a new women’s backyard ultra world record. Photo: Jacob Zocherman
While still looking strong and completing laps well under the one-hour time requirement, Perry ultimately decided not to go out on her 96th lap due to issues with her back, leaving nine men still running. In addition to setting a women’s backyard ultra world record, her final distance set a new overall U.K. backyard ultra record, exceeding the 87 laps run by Matt Blackburn in 2023.
Of the remaining men in this year’s race, current world record holder Phil Gore (Australia) came away with the win with 114 laps (475.0 miles/764.4 kilometers) with Ivo Steyaert, who was part of the Belgian team that won the team Big Dog’s Backyard Ultra in 2024, as the “assist,” or second-place finisher with 113 laps (470.8 miles/757.7 kilometers). This was short of the current men’s backyard ultra world record of 119 laps (495.8 miles/797.9 kilometers), currently held by Gore himself.
As ultra runners, we’re always looking for tools and resources to support our training and racing goals. Check out this resource that fellow runners have found valuable.
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The UltrAspire Alpha 6.0 Race Vest. All photos: iRunFar/Kristin Zosel
The UltrAspire Alpha 6.0 Race Vest ($150) is the most recent in a line of hydration packs that have been around since 2013. The first version of the vest was well-loved, and 12 years later, this one still lands itself in our Best Running Vests buyer’s guide. This unisex hydration pack is a great medium-sized vest with a thoughtful design, a highly flexible six-liter capacity, great overall comfort, and a smooth ride.
I found this to be one of the most stable hydration packs out there, whether you’re only carrying some fluids and your phone for a shorter daily run or you’ve maxed out storage and added poles in a quiver (not included) or to the rear bungees. The ErgoFit design keeps the stress of a fuller pack off the neck and the load centered a bit lower on the body than many other packs out there, and the MaxO2-Sternum lets you breathe freely with the snug-fitting, bounce-free design. This is still one of my favorite design aspects of UltrAspire vests.
I’m absolutely loving the fact that the hydration bottle pockets in the front are now fully compatible with just about any 500-milliliter soft flask you have, including UltrAspire’s proprietary soft flasks — two of which are included with the vest —and the longer cylinder options common with other brands. Regardless of how you count pockets within pockets to get a final number, there are plenty of options on the pack for all your needs and wants, including a sleeve pocket against the back with a bladder hanger that can hold up to a two-liter bladder and route the hose securely over either shoulder. In my experience, having tested two prior versions of this pack, the Alpha 6.0 is the best thus far. It has an actual weight of 8.8 ounces (250 grams) for a size small.
Unfortunately, the Alpha 6.0 still comes in only three unisex sizes — small, medium, and large — and can accommodate chest sizes from 31 inches to 42 inches. In my opinion, there’s still a need for an extra small and an extra large option. My 34A chest size has the bungee closures on the size small about 75% cinched for daily usage.
UltrAspire Alpha 6.0 Race Vest Construction and Fit
The UltrAspire Alpha 6.0 Race Vest.
The UltrAspire Alpha 6.0 Race Vest is constructed from the familiar UltrAcool Light Mesh that helps to move moisture from the skin and reduce heat buildup. It still feels a little abrasive to the touch, but I always run with a shirt, so it’s not a factor for me. It doesn’t cause pilling to any of my shirts or fleeces, so if you like to run with less clothing on top, you may be just fine.
Two honeycomb mesh panels run on either side of the front of the pack against the body to help with comfort, sweat management, and fit in the closure areas. I find it very effective in preventing chafing on the super-hot days. The closures themselves, called the MaxO2 Sternum design, are two fixed hooks to which you attach a looped bungee cord from the opposite side. It’s pretty easy to do once you figure out the angle to approach the hooks, and it can be done with thin gloves. Though the hooks are fixed, the bungees have a lot of adjustability depending on how full you have the pack. An unobtrusive flat routing loop is also present on either shoulder strap to secure a bladder tube in an easy-to-reach place.
Very soft binding covers all edges of the pack, further promoting skin comfort, especially under the arms and around the neck. All pockets are made with a four-way stretch mesh that excels in keeping contents secure yet accessible and reduces the need for compressive bungees or load management cords. This mesh also enhances the overall breathability of the pack, especially if a solid breeze is swirling. Nothing really impedes the airflow through the pack unless you’ve added some extra Ziploc baggies for waterproofing of electronics or extra snacks.
UltAspire’s ErgoFit design is indeed very comfortable. The S-curve angled shoulder straps remove the load from your upper shoulder/neck junction and move it out and down a bit. This keeps the neck and shoulders moving freely and decreases the strain on my upper trapezius muscles. The length of the pack takes the load lower on the body, which can take a little bit of getting used to with how it hugs the mid and lower ribs. I’ve found the design reduces the overall fatigue a pack can cause later in a race or longer adventure. I have perhaps a longer torso, but I find it very easy to wear.
The fabulous MaxO2 Sternum shock cord system allows the bungee closures to stretch every time you take a breath and recoil to the same place. The load stays secure and snug to the body without the need for over tightening or progressive tightening during a run, and it doesn’t hamper breathing even when powering up steep inclines or pushing the pace on a gentle and super runnable downhill. I wish more brands would incorporate this type of technology, as it significantly enhances the overall pack-wearing experience
I do find this pack to be a little heavier and a bit hotter than some of the very lightweight packs from Salomon and Arc’teryx, but it does seem to be more durable — a plus if you find yourself bashing through willows or wedging between rocks and hard places on a scramble. The Alpha 6.0 is also more stable over varying loads, but if you’re looking for a super minimalist feeling pack, you may prefer something different.
The Alpha 6.0 is a sleeker version than past models while maintaining all of the functions and performance.
UltrAspire Alpha 6.0 Race Vest Storage and Hydration Options
The back of the UltrAspire Alpha 6.0 Race Vest.
The UltrAspire Alpha 6.0 Race Vest includes four pockets on the back of the vest and another eight pockets on the front, including the two hydration bottle pouches. Zippers are employed on two front pockets, ideal for keeping smaller items secure, and across the top of the main stuff pocket in the back. The small sweat-proof magnet-closure pocket sitting above the hydration bottle pocket on the right can hold electrolyte tablets and pills securely and can be operated easily with a finger or two.
I like that most of the pockets are stuff pockets and accessible without too much forethought or coordination. The four-way stretch mesh does a great job of providing enough compression without the need for more cumbersome straps.
Speaking of compression, however, I do miss the external X-crossing bungee on the very back of the pack that I used to love for a quick stash of a lightweight jacket. Luckily, UltrAspire made up for it by improving the pass-through pocket at the very bottom of the back of the pack. The opening is slightly more lateral — angling toward the front — on the pack, thus easier to reach without having to take it off. I can easily slide a thin puffy, fleece, or wind layer here and pull it out from either side for quick donning when the weather makes a sudden shift.
The two bungees on either side of the pass-through pocket are perfect for poles, and the improved position makes them secure at the lower back. I found that there was almost no bounce at all. I do typically take my pack off to stow or retrieve the poles, but that’s more so I don’t catch a toe and do a gravity check while my arms are stuck behind me. If you’re a fan of the pole quiver, this pack is compatible with the UltrAspire quiver (purchased separately) and utilizes bungees at the shoulder to offer more pole storage options. At iRunFar, we don’t recommend storing poles on the front of the pack to reduce the chance of serious injury in the case of a fall.
The back of the pack now has a full-length stash pocket accessible from the top that ends in front of the pass-through pocket that swallows layers, a headlamp, or a first aid kit. At the top of this large pocket is a smaller hanging pouch with a key clip that is ideal for a safety blanket, wallet, and keys. A zipper keeps everything in this section secure, but it does mean that you have to remove the pack to access it. The bladder sleeve lying flush against the back can hold up to a two-liter hydration bladder that is very easy to hook to the hanger at the top. It is compatible with an insulating sleeve, should you have one from a prior purchase, as it is not included with this pack.
The front of the pack is where I keep most of the things I need between aid stations or want easy access to on self-guided adventures. The two 500-milliliter soft flask pockets helpfully have shock cords that fit around the bottle tops to hold them securely. I’d say that unless you have a very flexible neck, you might want to consider taller bottles or ones with straws due to the fact that the pack rides a bit lower than some. Opposite the sweat-proof salt-tab sized pocket with a magnetic closure on the right, there is a drop-in, bungee-tightened pocket on the left side of the harness. The drop-in pocket can theoretically hold a phone securely, but my collarbone isn’t a huge fan of that, so I like it for a few gels or a buff and thin gloves.
Beneath each soft flask pocket is a full-hand-sized stuff pocket with a smaller overlying zip pocket with angled entry. The stuff pocket is my favorite, and although others have noted some minor difficulty accessing these when carrying full bottles, I didn’t seem to have an issue. I struggle a bit more with the restricted opening and surprising depth of the zipper pockets with my fairly sturdy fingers, so I tended to use the zipper pockets for items I needed to access less frequently.
All in all, I love the streamlined design of this pack’s storage and am consistently surprised by how much I can cram into it with no bounce and no neck and shoulder discomfort. The lower-riding rib-hugging sensation is very comfortable but does take some getting used to if you’re coming from the higher-sitting packs more common today.
I haven’t seen any wear, tear, or stretching out of any of the pockets after a summer’s worth of use, and previous renditions of this pack have retained their shape and elasticity exceptionally as well, even after years and multiple family members’ use.
UltrAspire Alpha 6.0 Race Vest Overall Impressions
The UltrAspire Alpha 6.0 Race Vest.
The UltrAspire Alpha 6.0 Race Vest is the best version of this pack thus far, particularly now that most brands’ 500-milliliter bottles are compatible. I’ve had the good fortune of wearing and testing the first and third iterations of this pack as well, and I appreciate how streamlined and stable it has become for a six-liter pack while staying comfortable and secure, whether carrying lighter or heavier loads. I’d re-add the X-crossing bungee on the back of the pack if given the option and throw in a small safety whistle, but it is certainly an excellent mid-size pack and has earned its place in our Best Running Vests guide.
It is worth highlighting that if you struggle with neck and shoulder discomfort from hydration packs as the running and hiking hours stack up, the design and fit of the Alpha 6.0 can be a game-changer. It harkens back to the fit of the packs that first came on scene when I began dabbling in ultrarunning in the late 1990s, but with all of the other features improved thanks to 30 years of industry developement and UltrAspire’s keen attention to detail.
As ultra runners, we’re always looking for tools and resources to support our training and racing goals. Check out this resource that fellow runners have found valuable.
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The 2025 Backyard Ultra World Championships in Bell Buckle, Tennessee have entered uncharted territory. Sarah Perry of the UK and Megan Eckert of the USA have already smashed the women’s world record for the format, completing 87 yards, or 367 miles, and they’re still going. The record fell early Wednesday as the two began Yard … Read more
As ultra runners, we’re always looking for tools and resources to support our training and racing goals. Check out this resource that fellow runners have found valuable.
FTC Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you purchase through these links at no additional cost to you. See our Affiliate Disclosure for details.
