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Perth ultra-runner and Backyard Ultra World Champion Phil Gore completed 152 consecutive hourly laps in one of Australia’s most extreme solo endurance efforts, 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 inspired by 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.
Make a one-off donation to Project 168 and help Telethon support sick, vulnerable and disadvantaged children across Western Australia. 100% of your donation goes directly to Telethon.
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Project 168 has now concluded, and orders for the official Project 168 tee are closed. Thank you to everyone who wore the 168 and helped support Phil and Telethon throughout this incredible event.
Project 168 has now concluded, and orders for the special-edition Dometic 1L Chug Bottle are closed. Thank you to everyone who carried the 168 and helped raise funds for Telethon.
The event is over and orders are now closed.
Phil welcomes partnerships with aligned brands that want to support his future endurance challenges, appearances and wider work. 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, footage, appearances, or to discuss sponsoring Phil and his future endurance challenges, get in touch with the team direct.
Email Adam, Span Health