Running Wild on the Yukon

Jessica Simon / 21.11.2006

Everyone in the Yukon Arctic Ultra is from far away, except the locals. For five years, Yukoners have hosted 164 athletes from 21 countries including Guatemala, Slovenia and South Africa on the annual Yukon Arctic Ultra. On February 11th , ultra runners from Italy and Denmark join cyclists and skiers for the coldest and toughest human-powered race on earth. They pepper a roster heavily salted with veterans from Britain, Germany and Canada.

The 35 early birds registered for the 2007 YAU start a day after two dozen dog mushers leave the start chute of the Yukon Quest and both events follow the same arduous course.

The Arctic Ultra marathon marks the final road access before the next finish line 100 miles north on the historic Dawson Overland Trail. A 30 mile section of lake-dotted landscape lies ahead, crossed by a steady wind that scrubs the ice surface bare. Further down the Yukon River, the 300-mile route ends after a loop via road and river to Pelly Farms. From there the inaugural 460 darts into the Black Hills and through the Klondike gold fields to Dawson City.

The journey, previously known only to Quest teams and Canadian Rangers, promises high adventure. After race director Robert Pollhammer announced the Black Hills extension, Mike Simon scouted it. In the final 60 miles “athletes have to climb slopes with clear avalanche sign,” he observed. “It changes from year to year, so route-finding skills are crucial.”

The Ultra enjoys a consistent three to one ratio of male to female entrants, with 92 percent competing on foot. Registration is open until January 31st.