What does it take to run 442.6 kilometres, complete 66 consecutive loops and survive almost three days of running with barely any sleep?

In this episode of The Account Rant, Latitude Accountants’ Jacob Fahmy sits down with Justin Makhlouf, winner of Sydney’s Backyard Ultra, to explore the extraordinary physical and mental demands of one of endurance running’s toughest formats.

But Justin’s story goes far beyond running. From losing his gym and rebuilding his career to finding strength through faith, discipline and fatherhood, his victory represents something much bigger than crossing a finish line.

What Is a Backyard Ultra?

Unlike traditional marathons, a Backyard Ultra has no predetermined finishing distance.

Competitors must complete a 6.7-kilometre loop every hour, on the hour. Whatever time remains before the next starting bell becomes their opportunity to recover.

During these short breaks, runners must:

• Eat and replenish their energy.
• Hydrate and manage physical discomfort.
• Treat blisters and other minor issues.
• Change clothing or equipment.
• Rest or attempt to sleep.

The process continues until only one competitor remains capable of completing another loop.

Justin’s event began with approximately 650 participants. After 66 loops and 442.6 kilometres, he emerged victorious.

Training for 442KM: Why Time on Your Feet Matters

According to Justin, preparing for a Backyard Ultra requires a different approach from training for a conventional marathon.

While marathon preparation often focuses heavily on pace and speed, ultramarathon training prioritises spending extended periods on your feet.

The objective is to develop the ability to keep moving, recover and repeat the process over an extraordinary duration.

Justin explains that speed work remains important, but endurance and recovery are essential.

Finding the Right Running Pace

Most competitors aim to complete each loop in approximately 48–52 minutes.

Running too quickly can waste valuable energy, while finishing too slowly leaves insufficient recovery time.

Justin generally completed his loops in around 50 minutes, giving himself approximately 10 minutes to prepare for the next hour.

Over 66 consecutive loops, managing that balance becomes critical.

Surviving the First Night and the Mental Wall

The first night of a Backyard Ultra can be surprisingly exciting.

Hundreds of runners remain on the course, headlamps illuminate the darkness, and the atmosphere provides motivation.

However, as competitors reach personal milestones such as marathon distance, 50 kilometres, 100 kilometres or 24 hours, many begin withdrawing.

By the second night, the challenge becomes significantly more psychological.

How Sleep Deprivation Changes Your Thinking

Justin describes how exhaustion can cause the mind to exaggerate discomfort and create negative narratives.

Pain becomes harder to manage, doubts intensify, and the uncertainty surrounding the race creates additional pressure.

Unlike a marathon, competitors cannot calculate exactly how much longer they need to continue.

They simply keep running until everyone else stops.

Justin’s solution was straightforward: stop thinking about the finish line.

Instead, concentrate on the next step, the current loop and what needs to happen before the next starting bell.

It’s a powerful lesson that extends beyond endurance sport. When facing overwhelming challenges, breaking them into manageable actions can make progress feel possible again.

From Losing His Gym to Becoming an Ultramarathon Champion

Justin’s journey into ultramarathon running began during a difficult period in his professional life.

Approximately 18 months before the race, his gym closed following complications involving council requirements, zoning changes and the end of his lease.

The closure created significant uncertainty.

As a father of three who also supports his parents, Justin felt the pressure of rebuilding his career while maintaining his family responsibilities.

Moving from an established physical gym to online coaching brought additional challenges, particularly without the same predictable membership base.

Running gradually became an outlet.

Unlike high-intensity strength and conditioning sessions, long-distance running gave Justin time to think, process difficult experiences and reflect on his circumstances.

Eventually, that outlet developed into a competitive ambition.

He decided to apply the discipline and work ethic he had spent years teaching his athletes to his own sporting journey.

Faith, Discipline and Finding Purpose Through Suffering

One of the most personal moments of Justin’s Backyard Ultra experience involved receiving Holy Communion from a priest during the event.

For Justin, a devout Catholic, the race had already become deeply connected to his faith.

Before the competition, he and his support crew agreed to offer their collective effort as a prayer for themselves and others experiencing hardship.

His crew, consisting of family and friends, also endured considerable exhaustion while preparing food, supplies and assistance every hour.

Justin acknowledges that even with strong personal convictions, doubt remains part of his life.

His response during difficult periods is to become more disciplined rather than abandon his established values.

Drawing inspiration from 2 Corinthians 12:9, he explains how his faith helps him find strength during moments of weakness.

For him, winning was important, but the meaning behind the effort mattered more.

The Real Reason Justin Wanted to Win: His Children

Perhaps the most memorable moment came after Justin completed his extraordinary 442.6-kilometre achievement.

Rather than focusing entirely on the victory, he reflected on what he wanted his children to learn from watching him compete.

He wanted to demonstrate that difficult circumstances do not have to define how someone responds to life.

After experiencing business setbacks and financial uncertainty, Justin recognised that providing for his family involved more than material success.

He also wanted to lead through example.

His message centred on three important values:

• Discipline: Continue showing up, particularly when circumstances become difficult.
• Integrity: Demonstrate your values through actions rather than words alone.
• Purpose: Establish a meaningful reason behind the goals you pursue.

As a coach, Justin believes sustainable achievement requires more than technical knowledge or an effective training program.

People must also develop the commitment and personal motivation necessary to follow through.

His Backyard Ultra victory became an opportunity to demonstrate those principles to his children.

What Business Owners Can Learn From Justin Makhlouf’s Journey

Although Justin’s achievement belongs to the world of endurance sport, his experience offers valuable lessons for business owners navigating uncertainty.

Building a business rarely follows a predictable path. Financial pressure, unexpected setbacks and difficult decisions can challenge even experienced entrepreneurs.

Justin’s approach highlights the importance of maintaining perspective.

Rather than becoming overwhelmed by everything that might happen, focus on the next meaningful action.

Whether that involves improving cash flow, reviewing expenses, rebuilding operations or developing a long-term strategy, consistent progress begins with manageable decisions.

And just as Justin relied on his support crew throughout the race, business owners benefit from having experienced professionals in their corner.

Success is rarely achieved entirely alone.

Frequently Asked Questions About Justin Makhlouf and Backyard Ultra Running

How far did Justin Makhlouf run?

Justin completed 442.6 kilometres across 66 loops to win Sydney’s Backyard Ultra.

How does a Backyard Ultra work?

Participants must complete a 6.7-kilometre loop every hour. The competition continues until only one runner remains capable of completing another loop.

How much sleep do Backyard Ultra runners get?

There are no scheduled overnight breaks. Competitors can only attempt to sleep during whatever time remains after completing each hourly loop.

What motivated Justin Makhlouf to keep running?

Justin drew motivation from his faith, family, personal discipline and desire to demonstrate resilience to his three children.

What can entrepreneurs learn from endurance athletes?

Endurance sport demonstrates the importance of consistency, adaptability, managing uncertainty and maintaining a clear purpose when pursuing difficult long-term goals.

Build Your Business With Confidence. The Latitude Way.

Every business journey comes with challenges, but you don’t have to navigate them alone.

At Latitude Accountants, we help Australian business owners make informed financial decisions through proactive accounting, tax planning and business advisory services.

Whether you’re rebuilding, growing or preparing for your next opportunity, our team is here to support you.

Accounting Done Right. The Latitude Way.

Contact Latitude Accountants today:

📍 Sydney Olympic Park | Marrickville | Melbourne | Loxton | Adelaide
📞 1300 706 597
📧 info@latitudeaccountants.com.au

Disclaimer

This article is provided for general information and educational purposes only. It does not constitute financial, tax, accounting, legal, medical or business advice. The experiences and opinions discussed are personal to the interview guest and should not be interpreted as professional health or training recommendations. Consult an appropriately qualified professional regarding your individual circumstances.