Banana Slug Backyard Ultra Profiles

My name is Andrea and I was born and raised in Oregon. I started running marathons when I was 16 and eventually found my way into ultras. I’m still learning a lot and don’t have a ton of experience, but I’m always looking to step out of my comfort zone and see what I can accomplish.

This will be my first ultra race. I stumbled upon the Banana Slug by chance while camping at Champoeg in 2023. My whole family had so much fun watching that we planned a return trip to watch the race in 2024. Now my spouse and two kids will be my support crew for 2025.

I've been in Springfield/Eugene for 12 years now but am originally from outside of Seattle. I work as a physical therapist. I enjoy spending time with my family, hiking, fishing, and jogging.

I have been running, off and on, for about 15 years, but I am new to trail running and ultras. I stumbled upon the backyard ultra format after falling into a YouTube rabbit hole. Talking to a previous year's runner gave me the little extra push I needed to sign up.

I am originally from Orange County, CA. I moved to Portland in 2017 with my wife. I have a Master's in Electrical and Biomedical Engineering, and I work as a Firmware/Software Engineer in Vancouver, WA.

I've been running since college to stay fit. I did my first sprint triathlon in 2012 and since then I have been hooked on endurance sports. I've completed Olympic Triathlons, 70.3 Ironman, 140.6 Ironman, several 50ks, and just this year my first 50 miler. I also enjoy snowboarding and getting out in the backcountry for some splitboarding.

This will be my first Backyard Ultra and I am looking forward to testing my limits, seeing the sunrise the next day while running, and having fun grinding with everyone else out there. Shout out to Julija for inviting me to join the Banana Slug Backyard Ultra.

Can't wait to trek up from the SF Bay Area and meet you all this April! It will be my 4th Backyard Ultra, but my first Banana slug. My goal is to get to 200 miles - but who knows!?!?

I love this race format...both the psychological challenge and the relationships you build along the way. It's in my nature to try to share positive energy and befriend anyone and everyone in the race—so keep an eye out for that tall guy with the awkward gait and don't hesitate to say hi :)

Other planned adventures this year include Grand Canyon R2R2R, The Great New York Running Exposition, Waldo 100k, Oregon Cascades100... possibly also "The Mammoth" (permits pending) and hiking trips in Norway and Patagonia.

See you soon!!!!!!

Mert is here! Originally from Istanbul, Turkey, I have been living in California for the past 25 years. I've been married for over 20 years and have two kids: 14-year-old Cody and 11-year-old Chloe. I'm really into endurance sports, including triathlons and ultramarathons. Banana Slug 2025 will be my first backyard ultra. And I'm super excited about it.

We’re Maddie and Iz Berrang, sisters who grew up in Portland, Maine, and now call the PNW home. So far, we’ve run two road marathons, a 50k, three 50-milers, and one 100-miler together. (Shoutout to our parents for gifting each of us with lifelong, built-in pacers). This will be our first attempt at a Backyard Ultra! We're looking forward to getting to know all the other participants/fellow lunatics and housing instant mashed potatoes and pop-tarts throughout the night. Bring it on!

My name is Saulius Bračiulis I go by Saul for people that anyone wants a simpler way to call me. I'm that Lithuanian runner living in Seattle that has run many self supported 100 milers to challenge myself and for adventure! I'm excited that this will be the second year that three Lithuanians will be racing in the PNW! This year I'm training to run the Washington PCT and hopefully I can find a two week period without fires. My last adventure run I've done was running from Seattle to a trail called Issy Alps 50k ultra making it a 86 miler. I'm still babying some sore muscles but I think my health is slightly better than last year. Since last year I've been learning that I have been wearing shoes that were too narrow so I'm excited to observe how my feet act this year! This will be my 4th year racing this race! I enjoy chatting about technology, AI, psychology and my adventures!