Arctic Bay Nunavut Canada
July 1, 2002
Available distances:
42.195 km | 46.603 mi
Event URL: No URL Provided
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500 miles north of the Arctic Circle. 24-hours daylight. "World's Toughest Marathon". Starting and finishing near sea level in Arctic Bay, the marathon runners will follow the road toward Nanisivik for about 18 kilometers to an elevation of 421 meters before turning and retracing their steps to Arctic Bay, then wind their way up and over the rocky Uluksan Peninsula to the edge of Victor Bay, returning over the same route to Arctic Bay. The Ultra doubles the already arduous marathon course over a gravel road which can be in varying degrees of repair. Temperatures on race day may be from -5 °C to +10 °C, and parts of the course can be very windy. Be prepared for winter running conditions, with the ability to adjust for temperature changes as the race progresses. A few aid stations with basic food and drink will be provided for the marathoners. Water jugs will be placed along the roadside every kilometer. Marathoners and particularly ultrarunners should be as self-sufficient as possible, especially if you have any specific needs in the way of food or drink. Being 500 miles north of the Arctic Circle on Baffin Island, the race is located well beyond the northern limit of trees. The hills are barren, except for a few tiny flowers that grow in the cracks of the endless expanse of rock. Distance loses all perspective. A hill that appears to be just a few kilometers away can actually be 30 kilometers distant. There is no sound, except for the wind, and often virtually no sign of life. This is the season of endless daylight, when the midnight sun burns 24 hours a day. Visitors to the area may feel somewhat disoriented at first, but are soon enraptured by its breathtaking beauty.
