Make a confidential donation pledge for The Assist. The highest eligible pledger will be contacted first for the opportunity to join Phil on his second-last scheduled lap.
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.
Run Lap 167 with Phil.
Make a confidential donation pledge for The Assist.
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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Want to run Lap 167 with Phil? Make a confidential donation pledge for The Assist.
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Lap 167 is the final supporter opportunity to step onto the course and run alongside Phil before the scheduled finish of Project 168.
Run 6.71 km beside Phil on his second-last scheduled lap, become part of a story being followed around the world, and help carry him toward 168 hours.
This special opportunity is available through a confidential donation pledge.
Tell us the amount you would be willing to donate to Project 168 for the opportunity to run Lap 167. The highest eligible pledger will be contacted first.
Lap 167 is “The Assist”—the final and most significant supporter opportunity to help carry Phil toward 168 hours. Pledges close Saturday 29 August at 8:00 pm AWST.
If Phil is still running and participation remains possible, the selected supporter may also be invited to join Phil for Lap 167 as a special bonus. No payment is taken when submitting a pledge and all pledge amounts remain private.
Can’t make it to Forrestdale? Select a time in your timezone and run a 6.71km virtual lap at the same time as Phil. Enter the lap number you want to join in, then be sure to upload a video and tag Phil when you do!
Grab the official Project 168 tee and back Phil before he even laces up. $10 from every shirt sold , will be donated directly to Project 168 and Telethon to support the cause.
Stay hydrated with a special-edition Dometic 1L Chug Bottle, laser engraved with Project 168 branding and available with your name for a personalised finish.
Built for big days, this one-litre stainless-steel bottle features double-wall vacuum insulation, a leakproof Chug lid and a convenient carry strap.
100% of profits from every bottle sold will be donated to Telethon, supporting children and families across Western Australia.
$68 · Limited-edition pre-order closes 30 August.
Optional name personalisation is available. Orders will be processed, engraved and shipped after Project 168.
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