Ultra-running is no longer confined to solitary training—it now embraces a lifestyle of vibrant energy and unexpected challenges. Chai Yee Ling’s recent weekend of back-to-back events highlights how extreme athleticism can seamlessly blend with a bustling social calendar.

Yee Ling competed in two demanding events: the Pirate Backyard Ultra and the Pacer Endurance Challenge 2025. “I had back-to-back races—one at 1am on Saturday and another at 4am on Sunday,” she recalls. “Despite battling a sore throat and a runny nose after a hectic Friday filled with work, my boss’s housewarming, and a Chinese New Year celebration, I treated each race as vital training.”

At the Pirate Backyard Ultra, she tackled a 35km course under near-darkness. Though she was not at her best, she embraced the challenge. The race crews even presented her with a Did Not Finish trophy as a keepsake—a reminder that every effort counts. “I planned to attend, pick up my race kit, and use the experience to prepare for Sunday’s race,” she explains.

The following day, Yee Ling entered her first six-hour endurance run with a target of 52km. “I have competed in 12-hour and 24-hour events, but never a 6-hour race,” she notes. “I maintained a fast, steady pace for the first 14 laps (28km) until I noticed my pace drop after 30km. During laps 22 (44km) and 23 (46km), I had to slow down significantly—taking 15 minutes for each 2km lap. That pushed me to sprint and focus on finishing at least 50km.”

For the first 11 laps, covering 22km, Yee Ling experienced what ultra-runners call being “in the zone.” “I felt I could run without fatigue, as if my mind set a goal and my body just followed,” she says. “My pace hovered around 6:12 to 6:15 per kilometre, which might be my natural base pace.”

As the race progressed, physical challenges became apparent. “By 36km, my pace was dropping and I felt my front thigh muscles stiffening,” she admits. A stomach ache at 24km forced her to push through the discomfort. “I knew I could reach 50km, but 52km seemed doubtful. I had to rely on mental strength and the crew’s encouragement to keep going,” she explains.

The evolving landscape of ultra-running is reflected in events like these. The Pirate Backyard Ultra and the Pacer Endurance Challenge 2025 are gaining attention for their unique formats, attracting athletes who balance intense competition with vibrant lifestyles. A local ultra-running coach commented, “Chai Yee Ling’s ability to adapt under pressure exemplifies the modern ultra-runner. Her performance shows that mental fortitude and smart recovery can turn challenges into triumphs.”

Throughout the race, strategic recovery played a key role. “I purposely slowed down instead of walking, which allowed me to recover without losing too much momentum. I also took opportunities to refuel with energy gels and water,” she shares.

Looking ahead, Yee Ling remains focused on new challenges. “I’m aiming for a new personal best in the 100-mile race at Route 68 Ultra and plan to join the Chiang Mai 24: From Dusk Till Dawn endurance run in September,” she reveals.

Chai Yee Ling’s weekend was a dazzling fusion of midnight races and festive gatherings. Her journey not only showcases personal achievement but also signals a renaissance in ultra-running—a sport where passion, resilience, and a dynamic lifestyle converge to redefine athletic excellence.