Natalie Taylor and fellow competitor Tom Hunt, both British, finished the non-stop, self-sufficient 380-mile Classic 6633 Arctic Ultra race together – and in first place. The pair, who met during the extreme race in Canada, also set a new course record of 149 hours and 47 minutes. They beat the previous record of 172 hours 50 minutes, set in 2018, by 23 hours.
The event, which is billed as the world’s toughest, coldest and windiest footrace, certainly lived up to its reputation. Temperatures plummeted to -40C and that was without the wind chill.
Part of the race course at Wright’s Pass, on the border between the Yukon and Northwest Territories, was also closed due to due to blizzard conditions. This meant that day two saw competitors doing loops on the section of road that was open in order to keep clocking up the miles, until the road opened and they could be moved up the road.
Natalie, a British Army GP, also revealed she slept for only a total of 15 hours during her six-day race to cover 380 miles (612km). The total ascent was 4394m.
She pulled a sledge with all her kit and supplies, weighing around 45kg, and she suffered frost nip on her face.
Nat and Tom. Credit: 6633 Ultra / Evan Davies Nat Taylor. Credit: 6633 Ultra / Evan Davies
Yet despite all this, she modestly played down the challenges. Nat, who is an Army Major based at Fort George, near Inverness, said: “It was tough but really it was just a long walk in the snow and cold.”
She continued: “The Canadian Yukon and Northwest Territories are brutal and beautiful at the same time. Temperatures were colder than when I was in Antarctica earlier in the year. It was -40C at times and that was before the wind chill.
“My memories are of great people and an amazing natural environment. I completed much of the race with Tom and that added to the experience.
“I confess I did get grumpy at times, especially as the race went on and I became more tired. But when that happened I tried to look up at where I was and remind myself of why I should be grateful. That usually helped the grump to pass.
“I am delighted by the joint first place in this race. The memories of this race will stay with me for a long time.”
Nat and Tom win 6633 Ultra 2023. Credit: 6633 Ultra / Evan Davies
More details: 6633 Arctic Ultra
The adventure challenge takes competitors through the frozen landscape of the Canadian Arctic.
There are several race distances. The race starts at Eagle Plains Hotel, which is approximately 225 miles from the Dawson junction on the Klondike Highway in the Yukon Territory of Canada.
The longest route is the Classic and extends to 383 miles. It finishes on the banks of the Arctic Ocean at Tuktoyaktuk.
There is a 120 Mile Plus version. This allows competitors to keep their options open. If you are still feeling strong at the end of the 120 Race, you can keep going or stay with the race and join the crew. The 120 mile event finishes at the First Nations Hamlet of Fort McPherson
There is also a Yukon Edition of 250 miles. All competitors have the choice on the race to do the 120 miles, go on for the 250 miles.
All races cross the line of the Arctic Circle.
Laura Tretani’s epic 1000 mile journey
Astoundingly, one Arctic Ultra competitor Laura Tretani took on a 1000-plus mile challenge from Whitehorse in the Yukon to the banks of the Arctic Ocean at Tuktoyaktuk… and also completed the race.
See 6633.com.