Go One More: Inside the BPN Backyard Ultramarathon

During Memorial Day weekend, a crew of seriously tough humans lined up at Nick Bare’s ranch in Texas for one of the most brutal formats in endurance sport: the Backyard Ultramarathon. Hosted by Bare Performance Nutrition (BPN), the “Go One More” Ultra didn’t come with a finish line - just one rule: complete a 4.167-mile loop every hour, on the hour, until there’s only one person left standing.

No medals. No playlist. Just grit.

The Rules Are Simple—Until They’re Not

It starts off manageable. One loop. Then another. But as the hours tick by and the sun beats down - this year, temps hit 98°F - it becomes a mind game just as much as a physical challenge. Miss your start window? You’re out. Legs cramp? You’re out. Lose your will to keep going? You’re done.

It’s endurance stripped down to its rawest form. No fluff, no distractions. Just you, your body, and your brain arguing over whether to keep going.

Community in the Sufferfest

What stood out most, aside from the insane mileage, was the camaraderie. These weren’t just runners racing the clock. They were cheering each other on between loops. Sharing salt tabs and survival tips. Laying in the grass between rounds like warriors in recovery mode.

This kind of shared suffering brings people together. You see it in the world of plunging, too. There’s something about pushing your limits and coming out the other side that builds respect, whether you’re on loop 47 or hitting 39°F water at sunrise.

One Left Standing—Or So We Thought

Here’s the twist: this year, the race didn’t end with one person crossing the line. It ended with two.

Due to a severe thunderstorm, the race came to a halt. After 56 brutal laps and 235.2 miles, both Kendall and Kim were still standing. Technically, to win a Backyard Ultra, there has to be only one runner left who completes a final lap solo. But for the first time ever, two winners emerged at the end. 

In a sport that usually crowns a sole survivor, this was something different—an ending that reminded us that sometimes, it’s not about beating someone else. It’s about seeing how far you can go together. Pushing past your limits not in isolation, but in solidarity.

Why This Matters

At Plunge, we talk a lot about resilience - how cold water trains your nervous system to stay calm under stress. The “Go One More” Ultra is that idea, turned all the way up. It's not just about how far you can go, but how deep you’re willing to dig.

We loved watching this event unfold, and we’re constantly inspired by athletes who show us what’s possible when you strip it all back and choose to go one more round.

Check out BPN’s recap here and remember: whether it’s mile 100 or minute 3 in the tub, discomfort is where growth lives.