Ricardo Arias, a 41-year-old bus conductor from Pirayú, around 50km from Asunción, has become the new champion of the Backyard Ultra Paraguarí 2026. Arias completed 120 kilometres in 18 hours of continuous racing. His victory marks one of the most remarkable performances in Paraguay’s ultra-running calendar.
Competing in the event’s demanding “infinite” format, Arias was the last runner standing. The rules are deceptively simple yet brutally effective. Athletes must complete a 6.7-kilometre loop every hour. If they fail to start the next lap on time, they are eliminated. The race continues until only one competitor remains.
Under temperatures that reached 35°C, with a heat index surpassing 40°C, Arias combined endurance, discipline, and strategy. He carefully managed his pace, took only brief recovery intervals, and preserved his energy through the night. His consistency ultimately secured him the overall title.
A test of physical and mental limits
The Backyard Ultra Paraguarí 2026 competition began on Saturday at 18:00 and ran uninterrupted through the night into Sunday. Sleep deprivation quickly became a factor. As the hours passed, the field narrowed, and fatigue intensified. Jesús González, 28, delivered an exceptional performance to claim second place. He remained in contention deep into the race, pushing the eventual champion lap after lap. His resilience under extreme heat added to the intensity of the duel.
The event was hosted at Cabaña María Selva, located at the foot of Cerro Santo Tomás. The setting offered a striking natural backdrop, but it also posed serious challenges. The course winds through forest trails and rocky sections, with noticeable temperature shifts between nightfall and sunrise. A total of 320 runners from Paraguay, Argentina, Uruguay, and Brazil took part. The growing international participation reflects the rising profile of ultra running in the region.
Podiums and national milestones
Beyond the “infinite” category, the event also recognised strong performances in shorter lap formats. In the eight-lap category, equivalent to 54 kilometres, Mario Montania secured first place in the men’s division. In the women’s category, Ana Aliendre claimed victory after completing her eighth lap in 42 minutes.
Participants completing four and two laps also received awards, alongside Trail runners across different age groups. This inclusive structure highlights the sustained growth of the discipline nationwide. Paraguay’s national benchmark in this format remains the 28-lap record set by Cristian Aranda in San Bernardino. Covering 188 kilometres in 28 hours, his mark continues to stand as the country’s highest achievement in the Backyard Ultra competition.
Boosting sports tourism in Paraguarí
The race route skirts the Hũ and Santo Tomás hills, reinforcing Paraguarí’s appeal as a destination for nature and endurance sports. The combination of scenic beauty and demanding terrain attracts athletes seeking both challenge and adventure. The event was declared of National Tourist Interest by the Secretaría Nacional de Turismo (SENATUR). The recognition contributed to increased bookings in local accommodation, higher restaurant activity, and greater visibility for small businesses in the area.
With record participation and seamless organisation, the Backyard Ultra Paraguarí 2026 has solidified its place among Paraguay’s premier endurance events. Families, support teams, and spectators created an atmosphere of collective resilience throughout the night.
August is already marked in many runners’ calendars. Organisers have confirmed that a new edition is on the horizon, with the location and course details to be announced soon. For Paraguay’s growing ultra running community, the challenge is far from over.
