The Yukon Arctic Ultra is not a well-known race —  partly because it’s only been running since 2004.  And partly beacuse only a few people have ever competed in it, let alone finished it.  When asked what the most difficult race is, most reply “oh the Marathon des Sables of course”.  Now this has all changed because those who have heard of it, would agree with what the Yukon’s organisers describe as “The toughest and coldest race inthe world”.  So what is it that’s so tough?

There are a choice of distances —  a marathon, 100 miles, 300 miles and for the truly ‘nails’ individuals — 430 miles (only one person has completed it — Andy Heading in 2009).  Oh, and it’s very very cold — reaching temperatures as low as –61C.  Bearing in mind the Marathon des Sables (MdS) is a 7-day race over 150 odd miles, in comparison to the Yukon, it’s a walk in the park.

Members of the Adventure Racing Team Helmut, who spoke recently at the Royal Geographical Society, said they decided to give the Yukon 300 miler a go because they thought that “the MdS wasn’t tough enough” and that they “Needed a new challenge”.  This new challenge involved pulling all their equipment on “pulks” (known to most folk as sleds) non-stop for 320 miles over the Canadian Arctic — for six days in temperatures as low as –30C.  Their plan: to raise £50,000 for Breast Cancer Care.

But six days of physical pain and the risk of frostbite is nothing in comparison to the 18 months worth of planning, fund raising and training prior to race day.  The pulks weigh on average 18–20 kgs each, so a lot of training was needed.  From August 2008 until they departed in February, they could be seen training in Richmond park pulling tyres and trying to dodge the Royal Park’s Police.

Unfortunately, this year proved to be more of a challenge than Team Helmut could cope with.  Before the race started there was much discussion as to whether or not they should take with them snow shoes.  They decided “not” due to the fact it wasn’t predicted to snow.  However, it was to be a fatal flaw as after 260 miles they had to pull out of the race due to a massive dump of snow.  As Simon Bayliff said, “I’m not someone who likes unfinished business…”  I’m guessing that this will be a challenge to be repeated.

For more information on the Yukon Arctic Ultra, check out their website.  The next event will in 2011, so plenty of time for those tough enough to train and give it a go!  Good luck!