Going the Distance: Natalie Runs 140 Kilometres for Local Healthcare

At the end of July, the Comox Valley Exhibition Grounds came alive with determination, grit, and community spirit as 85 runners took part in the 2025 Comox Valley Road Runners’ Backyard Ultra. Among them was Natalie Pulsford, a familiar face with an extraordinary drive not just for distance, but for impact.

For the fifth consecutive year, Natalie laced up her runners with a bigger goal in mind: raising funds for healthcare in the Comox Valley. This year, she pushed herself to an incredible 140 kilometres, completing 21 consecutive “yards” (each yard being 6.7 km), running every hour on the hour from 8 a.m. on July 26 to just after 4 a.m. on July 27.

Natalie described how she felt after the 20th yard:

"My eyes were starting to shut, I held on for one more lap, for a total of 21 yards and 140 km, it felt like pure insanity. There were three runners left and the winner ended up going 26 yards for a total of 174 km."

Natalie, an employee at Providence Living at The Views who is passionate about long-distance running and supporting seniors’ health, raised funds for new diagnostic equipment needed at the Comox Valley Hospital. She successfully surpassed her fundraising goal, raising $1,097 which brings her cumulative year-over-year total to $4,300 for local healthcare.

“We are grateful for Natalie’s ongoing commitment and thankful to her friends and family who show their support of her pursuits. It’s truly inspiring to see someone turn their passion into something that benefits the whole community,” said Rhonda Stevens, Co-Executive Director of the Comox Valley Healthcare Foundation.

The Backyard Ultra format has grown in popularity across the world for its unique blend of endurance, strategy, and camaraderie. Runners cover a 6.7 km course every hour, on the hour, through the scenic forests and trails around the Comox Valley Exhibition Grounds. The event continues until there is just one runner left. Natalie was the last woman standing in last year’s event, completing 114 km, and she won the event in 2023.

The Comox Valley Healthcare Foundation extends heartfelt thanks to Natalie and to everyone who donated in honour of her run and in support of great care, close to home.