Mar 17 2007
The Inaugural 6633 Extreme Ultra
Welcome to the Inaugural 6633 Extreme Ultra.
A true Arctic experience - this race really does enter the Arctic Circle and can quite genuinely claim to be the coldest Extreme Ultra Marathon on the planet. In addition racers will have to contend with winds that can quite literally blow you away.
This race is only for big boys and girls unless you’re mad!!!!
The first 6633 ultra will take place in March 2007.
First things first, a lot of people ask “What does the 6633 mean?†– well it’s the latitude in degrees and minutes of the Arctic Circle, and that is precisely where this awesome challenge will take anyone mad enough to enter. It is a genuine Arctic Race, where participants will undoubtedly experience all the delights the Arctic has to throw at them. The 6633 ultra will be an annual event over a distance of either 120 miles or 350 miles along the Dempster highway – but suffice to say at this time, this is no normal highway!!
Race Structure
The 6633 ultra is a non stop self sufficient race for both distances Both races cross the line of the Arctic Circle, with the longer race continuing to the banks of the Arctic Ocean at Tuktoyaktuk. In this first year the primary discipline will be running, albeit cyclists will be welcomed but may be obliged to have possibly 2 compulsory stopovers for logistical and safety reasons.
Competitors will be expected to carry or pull on sleds all their provisions for the race including food, cooking items, clothing, sleeping kit and other safety gear. Racers going all the way to Tuktoyaktuk will be allowed 2 drop bags for limited essential gear at approx 120 miles (Fort McPherson) and 220 miles (Inuvik). All racers will be allowed to have a bag at the finish line for spare warm clothing etc.
Checkpoints will be spaced along the route at between 26 and 60 miles apart, where racers will be able to rest a while and be able to prepare their own food. Hot water and Shelter are the only things guaranteed at the checkpoints.
The race will commence on the 17th March from Eagle Plain on the Dempster highway. Entries will be limited, so early booking is advised. The race is being organised on a “not for profit†basis in order to keep the cost for racers to a minimum, but not to the extent that it will compromise the quality and safety of the race.
How tough is it?
It’s going to be flippin tough. I mean really tough. No seriously, I really do mean it. This race will be venturing into the Arctic Circle. Within 26 miles of the start participants will cross the latitude of 66 degrees 33 minutes by which time racers will have crossed a number of small passes and will quite likely have experienced their first encounter with “the windâ€. The next 90 odd miles to Fort McPherson (the finish of the 120 mile race) conditions will become more testing - Higher passes and the likelihood of higher extreme wind as athletes proceed through the area known locally for good reason as “Hurricane Alley†and on into the North West Territory. After Fort McPherson through to Inuvik a change in the topography means a fast (relatively speaking) section where athlete’s mental strength coupled with their physical strength will be tested. Long straight flat sections that will test the resolve of the strongest. From Inuvik to the Tuktoyaktuk on the banks of the Arctic Ocean, racers will have the unique experience of completing their race on the annually prepared 120 mile long Ice Road. Whilst I have not mentioned it above, as its pretty obvious, but just in case you have any doubts, it will also be seriously cold.
The race is being organised by Martin Like together with significant help from a multitude of individuals in the UK and more importantly in Canada. Martin has raced in “Arctic†conditions on a number of occasions and it is this experience that he will be bringing to the 6633 ultra to make it the most testing, rewarding memorable race that any self respecting ultra racer will do.
120 mile race option Mountain Biking Navigation Mountain Trek/Run Trail Running/Walking Entry Fee( GBP ) 900/900See All Event Posts
A true Arctic experience - this race really does enter the Arctic Circle and can quite genuinely claim to be the coldest Extreme Ultra Marathon on the planet. In addition racers will have to contend with winds that can quite literally blow you away.
This race is only for big boys and girls unless you’re mad!!!!
The first 6633 ultra will take place in March 2007.
First things first, a lot of people ask “What does the 6633 mean?†– well it’s the latitude in degrees and minutes of the Arctic Circle, and that is precisely where this awesome challenge will take anyone mad enough to enter. It is a genuine Arctic Race, where participants will undoubtedly experience all the delights the Arctic has to throw at them. The 6633 ultra will be an annual event over a distance of either 120 miles or 350 miles along the Dempster highway – but suffice to say at this time, this is no normal highway!!
Race Structure
The 6633 ultra is a non stop self sufficient race for both distances Both races cross the line of the Arctic Circle, with the longer race continuing to the banks of the Arctic Ocean at Tuktoyaktuk. In this first year the primary discipline will be running, albeit cyclists will be welcomed but may be obliged to have possibly 2 compulsory stopovers for logistical and safety reasons.
Competitors will be expected to carry or pull on sleds all their provisions for the race including food, cooking items, clothing, sleeping kit and other safety gear. Racers going all the way to Tuktoyaktuk will be allowed 2 drop bags for limited essential gear at approx 120 miles (Fort McPherson) and 220 miles (Inuvik). All racers will be allowed to have a bag at the finish line for spare warm clothing etc.
Checkpoints will be spaced along the route at between 26 and 60 miles apart, where racers will be able to rest a while and be able to prepare their own food. Hot water and Shelter are the only things guaranteed at the checkpoints.
The race will commence on the 17th March from Eagle Plain on the Dempster highway. Entries will be limited, so early booking is advised. The race is being organised on a “not for profit†basis in order to keep the cost for racers to a minimum, but not to the extent that it will compromise the quality and safety of the race.
How tough is it?
It’s going to be flippin tough. I mean really tough. No seriously, I really do mean it. This race will be venturing into the Arctic Circle. Within 26 miles of the start participants will cross the latitude of 66 degrees 33 minutes by which time racers will have crossed a number of small passes and will quite likely have experienced their first encounter with “the windâ€. The next 90 odd miles to Fort McPherson (the finish of the 120 mile race) conditions will become more testing - Higher passes and the likelihood of higher extreme wind as athletes proceed through the area known locally for good reason as “Hurricane Alley†and on into the North West Territory. After Fort McPherson through to Inuvik a change in the topography means a fast (relatively speaking) section where athlete’s mental strength coupled with their physical strength will be tested. Long straight flat sections that will test the resolve of the strongest. From Inuvik to the Tuktoyaktuk on the banks of the Arctic Ocean, racers will have the unique experience of completing their race on the annually prepared 120 mile long Ice Road. Whilst I have not mentioned it above, as its pretty obvious, but just in case you have any doubts, it will also be seriously cold.
The race is being organised by Martin Like together with significant help from a multitude of individuals in the UK and more importantly in Canada. Martin has raced in “Arctic†conditions on a number of occasions and it is this experience that he will be bringing to the 6633 ultra to make it the most testing, rewarding memorable race that any self respecting ultra racer will do.
120 mile race option Mountain Biking Navigation Mountain Trek/Run Trail Running/Walking Entry Fee( GBP ) 900/900See All Event Posts
