First running of Trystan’s Backyard Ultra deemed a victory despite thunderstorms
Participants, organizers and voluteers of the first annual Trystan’s Backyard Ultra pose for a photo at the starting line at La Riviere Park in Prairie du Chien on Saturday, August 16. (Submitted Photo/Becky Adkins)
The final two runners when the race was called due to thunderstorms were named co-winners - Rudy Osborne (left) and Alex Krotz (right). (Submitted Photo/Becky Adkins)
Event organizer Trystan Nesvold poses with the winner of the Last Woman Standing award (and fifth place finisher overall), DeShauna Williams. (Submitted Photo/Becky Adkins)
As Rudy Osborne and Alex Krotz continued onto their 14th lap at 8 p.m., crews and volunteers started to notice lightning storms in the distance.
These lightning storms looked far enough away to not affect the race; however, as time went on and runners continued the loop these storms got worse.
In the best interest of safety for both crews and runners the decision to postpone the next lap by 30 minutes after the time of the last lightning sighting. As time passed the lightning continued to make its way towards the course causing organiziers to make the ultimate decision.
At 9:15 p.m. the final decision was made in the best interest of the safety of runners and crew going into the night, to crown both Rudy Osborne and Alex Krotz as our shared winners of Trystan’s Backyard Ultra.
Through 14 hours and a total of 58.338 miles these runners pushed past any limit, mental or physical, they may have had and pushed themselves for those who can’t.
Every runner has a story and here’s what they accomplished at the first-ever Trystan’s Backyard Ultra: 1 Lap (4.167 miles) - Paisley Dressler, Vadin Nesvold and Mariah Priebe. 2 Laps (8.334 miles) - Brandon Chase, Madelyn Coffield, Jenny Hager, Kalli Igou, Dwight Kussmaul, Tricia Landt, Alex Mathies, Boston McWilliams, Cassandra Meyer and Lyla Redman. 3 Laps (12.501 miles) - Keri Achenbach, Lindsey Ariss, Lane Henderson, Joey Kramer, Lexi Liska, Joshua Rabbitt, Zachary Ross and Kyle Mara. 4 Laps (16.668 miles, Half Marathon!) - Anthony Annen, Morgan Chase, Debra Dunsmoor, Patrick Marfilius, Caleb Mezera, Tannah Radloff, Landon Smith, Livian Starkey and Lexi Trebus. 5 Laps (20.835 miles) - Deacon Chesebro, Garrett DeHart, Luke Kramer, Ashton Landt, Joe Linder, Jonah Linder, Molly Mason and Tucker Trefz. 6 Laps (25.002 miles) - Ryder Koenig, Cenady Soenksen, Connor Soenksen and Kevin Yaun. 7 Laps (29.169 miles) - Kyle Weber.
What an incredible first year for Trystan’s Backyard Ultra. Thanks to the grit of our runners, the countless hours from our volunteers, and the generous support of our sponsors and community, the event was able to raise a total of $3,500. $3000 going directly to Creighton Groom and his family, and $500 going to spinal cord injury research.
Every mile run, every bell rung, and every donation made represents hope, resilience, and the power of people coming together for something bigger than themselves. For those who can’t.
Thank you to the runners who pushed through each loop, the volunteers who made sure every detail ran smoothly, the sponsors who believed in us, and every single person who showed up to support.
Trystans Backyard Ultra will go even bigger in 2026 as the event will take place from August 14 to the 16 in Prairie du Chien.
