Marine Wins Freedom 13 Backyard Ultra At Missouri Healing Camp

The inaugural Freedom 13 Backyard Ultra Marathon was able to beat the weather Saturday, allowing runners to complete the full event at The Freedom 13 Missouri Healing Camp in Bourbon.

Marine Drake Bequette was named the “last man standing” after outlasting the field on the camp’s course.

The event brought runners of varying skill levels to the 171-acre healing camp, where participants tested themselves on a backyard ultra format. In a backyard ultra, runners complete a 4.167-mile loop every hour. Those who finish the loop before the hour is over can rest until the next hour begins. The event continues until only one runner remains.

Organizers said the race was a success, with several participants setting personal bests on the course.

The Freedom 13 is developing the Missouri Freedom Camp in Bourbon as a recreational healing camp for veterans, law enforcement officers, Gold Star Families and their immediate families. The organization was founded in memory of Marine Lance Cpl. Jared Schmitz and the 12 other American service members killed during the Abbey Gate attack in Kabul, Afghanistan, on Aug. 26, 2021.

Saturday’s race was one of the first major events connected to the Bourbon camp. The organization previously announced the backyard ultra as a way for runners to challenge themselves while supporting the group’s mission.

The weather held off long enough for the event to be completed, and organizers said another ultra marathon will be announced in the future. They also floated the possibility of changing the course for the next event, including potentially running the route in reverse.

The Freedom 13 Missouri Healing Camp is located in Bourbon and remains under development. Once complete, the camp is expected to provide a place for recreation, healing and connection for those served by the organization.