Perth ultra-runner and reigning Backyard Ultra World Champion Phil Gore is attempting one of the most extreme solo endurance feats ever undertaken in Australia, 6.71km at the start of every hour, on the hour, for seven consecutive days. Raising funds for Telethon along the way.
Dubbed Project 168, the attempt runs from Sunday 23 August to Sunday 30 August 2026 in Forrestdale, WA. It's built on the "backyard ultra" format, where runners cover the same loop every hour until only one competitor remains, except this time, the event doesn't stop when a winner is decided. It stops when the week is over.
Phil Gore is a Western Australian ultra-endurance athlete and the reigning Big Dog's Backyard Ultra World Champion. A working firefighter and father of four, Gore only took up backyard ultra racing a few years ago, and has already been nicknamed the "King of the Backyard" by the sport. A two-time Backyard Ultra world record holder with 14 wins from 16 backyard ultra events, he's widely regarded as one of the most respected athletes in the sport.
Backyard ultras are designed to help athletes find their limit, except the winner usually stops because the event ends, not because they hit failure. 168 removes that limitation entirely.
Not an official record, but a mark that reframes what's possible, the way the four-minute mile and the sub-two-hour marathon changed the ceiling for everyone who came after.
Running is having a cultural moment, and extreme human performance stories are cutting through. Project 168 has attracted broadcast, digital and documentary interest globally.
We're inviting a limited number of aligned brands to support Project 168, and expect broadcast, digital and documentary coverage throughout the seven-day attempt. Get in touch with the team to find out more.
Phil's track record has already drawn national and international coverage. A selection of recent features:
Coverage of Phil's win at the 2025 Big's Backyard Ultra World Championship, 114 hours in Bell Buckle, Tennessee.
"Phil Gore threw down a 37-minute final yard after logging more than 750 kilometres on his legs": the full account of the World Championship win.
How Phil set the Backyard Ultra world record at Dead Cow Gully, June 2025: 119 laps, 796km.
Breakdown of the record-breaking run at Dead Cow Gully and what it means for the sport.
An earlier profile on Phil as "the best backyard ultramarathon runner in Australia," from January 2023, ahead of his first world record push.
Phil spoke with Royal Military College Duntroon about his career in endurance running, from firefighter to world champion.
For interviews, accreditation, daily footage, or to discuss a partnership for Project 168, get in touch with the team direct.
Email Adam, Span Health