Trail Runner
Majell Backhausen
“Trail running becomes a lifestyle and a habit – a good habit. It could also be an addiction, the lines are blurred there. It’s just the thing I love to do, it’s that simple.”
Majell Backhausen is an Australian trail runner and environmental advocate. Raised just southeast of Melbourne, he embarked on his running journey in 2011, initially focusing on road marathons. A pivotal moment occurred during a marathon near London, which unexpectedly led him off the beaten path and sparked his passion for trail running. By 2014, Majell had completed his first 100-mile race in the foothills of the Dolomites, marking the beginning of his dedication to ultra-distance trail events.
Over the past decade, Majell has competed in prestigious races worldwide, achieving notable results.
Beyond his athletic pursuits, Majell is deeply committed to environmental conservation. He has been actively involved in the Takayna Trail, an event organized by the Bob Brown Foundation to help protect Tasmania’s Tarkine rainforest from logging and mining. He believes in using the collective power of the trail running community to advocate for the preservation of wild places. In 2021, he ran 273 kilometers across Victoria’s Central Highlands, traversing the proposed Great Forest National Park to raise awareness for its protection.
Majell's approach to training emphasizes consistency and patience, viewing each session as a building block toward long-term goals. He finds inspiration in individuals who demonstrate unwavering determination, regardless of their athletic background. For Majell, trail running is not just a sport but a lifestyle that fosters a deep connection with nature and a community of like-minded individuals.
Outside of running, Majell values the power of conversation and storytelling. He finds joy in deep discussions and has used his podcast ‘Stokely’ as a way to explore ideas, share experiences, and connect with others beyond the world of trail running. Through these important conversations, he keeps the art of storytelling alive and empowers people to share their experiences and perspectives, fostering a deeper sense of connection and understanding within the greater outdoor community.
Currently, Majell continues to train and compete in mountain races, aiming to experience diverse terrains worldwide. He remains dedicated to intertwining trail running with environmental protection, leveraging the collective power of the running community to advocate for the preservation of the wild places he loves to explore.
Accomplishments
2025
- Alpine Challenge (Australia) 100 Mile: 1st
- Motatapu Rab Ultra (New Zealand) 52km: 2nd
2024
- Ultra-Trail Drakensberg 100 mile, South Africa - 4th
2019
- TransRockies Run Stage Race, Colorado, USA - 2nd
2018
- Two Bays Trail Run 56km, Vic, Aus - 1st
- Marathon Des Sables, 237km Stage Race, Sahara Desert, Morocco - 10th
- Zugspitz Ultra Trail 80km, Grainau, Germany - 2nd
2017
- Tarawera Ultra 62km, Rotorua, NZ - 1st
- Manaslu Mountain Trail Race, Nepal 160km - 1st
2016
- TDS (UTMB), Chamonix, France 120km - 6th
2015
- GOW100- Great Ocean Walk 100km - Vic, Australia - 1st
- Ultra Trail du Mont-Blanc- UTMB, 170km - Chamonix Mont-Blanc, France - 22nd
- Un Tour en Terre du Jura- UTTJ- 115km - Saint Claude- Mijoux, JURA, France - 1st