The runner profile many have been waiting for.
LAST ONE STANDING – THE WHITE KENYAN 
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Ryan Crawford catapulted into the ultra scene in 2018 with a win at Dusk to Dawn 100km after a long stint as a professional Muay Thai fighter. Since then he’s gone on to have wins at Wild Horse, Glasshouse, BVRT, Hares & Hounds and Butter24. He is the current Australian 200 mile record holder (BVRT 2021).
Ryan’s current win resume is looking like this:
CE 2019
Big’s World Champs 2020
CE 2020 – 37 hours (LOS)
CE 2021
Wild Bunch 2021
DCG 2021 – 44 hours (LOS)
But for Ryan, it’s not about the numbers. It’s about personal growth and finding his own limits. He’s on a journey to keep pushing his limits to see what he can achieve.
I’ve had the privilege of sharing several races with Ryan and one thing I notice every time is that he is always approachable and takes the time to have a chat and offer advice.
- How long have you been running and why did you start?
About 4 years ultra running but running in general for a very long time. I used to run for my muay thai fights every day but shorter distances.
- What draws you to the Backyard Ultra format?
The unknown of what is possible.
- If you could do any race in the world what would it be?
Barkley/Badwater
- What has been your greatest running experience?
So many but running the 200 miler with my wife, Michelle, who paced me when I was in a dark hole and we suffered in the rain/mud to conquer the challenge.
- If you could share a course with any runner/athlete who would it be?
Goggins/Haynes
- What advice would you give to a new runner thinking about doing a backyard ultra?
Prepare the body/mind that you will suffer and want to quit but hang in there and you will find something special within.
- What inspires you to stay motivated?
To see what is truly possible for myself and leave behind a legacy for my boys to follow that anything is possible if you want it.
- What do you think about during long runs?
Life/what really matters. There is a lot of alone time on big runs but I spend a lot of time just staying present in the moment.
- For you, running is like…?
Just another form of body movement to stay healthy/fit but long distance running is more meditational and body/mind transformation.
- What is your next race?
Noosa Trail 100km (nb. Ryan did this race on 26 March and placed 3rd) DCG22 is the main focus
- What does it feel like to run for over 40 hours?
It’s really tough but fills you with energy and strength. Once you overcome the mind, there really is pure magic from the inside. It allows you to become stronger.
- Have you ever hallucinated during a Backyard Ultra?
I’ve seen a lot of perception changes over my time when running really long and the mind does play slight tricks but I’m aware of what is happening.
- How important is mental strength compared to physical strength in a Backyard Ultra?
Mental strength is an absolute must and plays a huge part but the physical is also vital as your body needs to be strong.
- What is the toughest part of a Backyard Ultra for you?
Fighting that voice in your head when you start to get sore and tired.
- Do you have a goal for DCG22?
Absolutely. I’ve been slightly annoyed for awhile not cracking over 50 hours, so I’ve given myself a new goal of 60 – 70 plus hours. I would like to go further but you never know until you’re out there and how your body/mind responds on that given day.
Thank you Ryan for sharing your journey with us. We know you’ll bring something very special to every race and there are a lot of people excited to see just what you’re capable of.
PS. Since this interview, at Clint Eastwood 12 August 2022, Ryan achieved a staggering 59hrs / 59 laps, to set a new Australian LOS/Backyard record.
