YUKON ARCTIC ULTRA

YUKON Feb. 2019

This insane multi-day stage event was inspired by another endurance feat, which begins just before it each year: the 1,600 kilometre-Yukon Quest Dog Sled Race. And then someone got the crazy idea to try running a chunk of it. Last year’s starting temperature in Whitehorse, -17 C, was considered balmy. Parts of the course (which is essentially an open sled dog trail leading to Dawson City) dip down to -40 C. The organizer, Robert Pollhammer, feels that it’s “coldest and toughest” ultra in the world. There is no prize for winning, apart from bragging rights, of course.

The full shabang is 690 kilometres, and must be done within 13 days. It’s a self-sustaining race, meaning runners must pack at least 48 hours worth of nutrition (to make it to the various checkpoints), a first aid kit and a variety of clothing isn’t a bad idea. You aren’t allowed any help along the way. Runners drag their supplies along with them in a pulk, which is essentially a small sled.

Perhaps surprisingly, there is about a 60 per cent finisher rate (you’d think it’d be near zero). The field is never big, with just 40 starters in 2017. Annually, the race attracts an international field, with runners from places like New Zealand and Brazil making the trip to try finishing this Arctic ultra.

Don’t worry, if the full 690 kilometres isn’t your thing, there’s a “fun run”: a marathon.