Florin Teleman equalled the record in the Run Bermuda Backyard after running for 28 hours this weekend.

Teleman, who won the race in 2025 after completing 21 laps of the 4.167-mile course, was pushed to the limit by runner-up Jason Williams, who was struggling with injury but committed to helping the winner match his record.

A couple of hours after finishing the event, having run 116.67 miles by completing a lap every hour, Teleman was feeling the pain but pleased with his stamina-sapping effort.

“I’m feeling the legs, especially now I’ve taken a shower and laid on the bed for a bit,” he said.

“After 15 hours I felt a little bit of pain and from hours 16 and 17 it was just more, more, more. In the short time I had after finishing a loop and before starting another one, I put some ice on my legs and tried to keep my legs raised.

“All I had in my mind was just one thing, to finish the next lap between 53 and 55 minutes, so I could have a little bit of time to eat something or to go to the bathroom. There’s no time for sleep or anything like that, it’s just always pretty much moving.”

Teleman knew the challenge he faced in the shape of Williams but was buoyed by reading The Royal Gazette story on Saturday that the past champion was suffering with an injury.

“I read the article on Saturday and saw that Jason had an injury and was not 100 per cent but he still made an amazing effort,” Teleman said.

“After 24 hours it was just me and Jason and we ran together and finished together. Those loops were actually really easy for both of us because when you have somebody to push you, it’s much better than being alone.

“I cannot tell you how much further I could have gone because you never know what's happening, but if Jason had carried on, I would have stayed with him.

“I never set a target and I take it step by step. It’s hardest at night, in the dark, but when the day comes you have that little burst of energy that daylight brings.”

Despite the pain, the darkness and the sleep deprivation, Teleman is adamant that he finds enjoyment in the event.

“It is enjoyable and when you run a full marathon, it’s nice,” he said.

“But when you run more it’s great to see how far you can push your body. This is my fifth backyard ultra, with four in Bermuda and one back home. I’ve even done one that is just on the beach, on sand and that is even harder than this, especially when the sand is coming in your shoes.”