Mr. Thanathorn J is only one man of ASIA join to that race and is 8 athletes to finish
Race Reports - 2015
Tuesday 17th March – Three days to go
Welcome to the 7th edition of the Likeys 6633 Arctic Ultra.
Over the last 3 days 27 athletes representing 12 countries have descended on Whitehorse in the Yukon Region of Canada, ready for possibly the biggest challenge of their lives.
With the benefit of past knowledge that has been passed on from veterans to rookies of this race, I think I can say with some confidence that on the whole the competitors this year are better prepared for the event than ever before. I am sure there will be one or two who might have underestimated the challenge ahead, but putting my head on the line from the outset, I think we are going to have some good results over the next couple of weeks.
Whilst the athletes and crew have unofficially been meeting and greeting one another over the past few days, this afternoon at the High Country Inn in Whitehorse was the official welcome to the race for the athletes. Race numbers were distributed, and a brief overview of the event was presented before a fairly concise medical presentation was given by Katie Rollins that naturally focused on the pertinent considerations for those mad enough to race in Arctic conditions. This was followed by the distribution of Race goodies and the team photo outside the hotel.
Once we leave Whitehorse tomorrow, there is little (if no) chance to address sled issues that might arise following the transportation to Canada. So this evening, as we have done every other year, all athletes are required to attend the outdoor clinic where they pull their packed sled to the near by frozen lake on the outskirts of town, then set up their bivy and make themselves a cup of coffee. This little exercise soon threw up a few sled issues for some athletes to attend to overnight, and additionally it show us as the organisers that those taken part do have the ability to get themselves into a warm bivy and look after themselves when they get out on the trail.
With it being St Patricks Day, whilst not over indulging many of the athletes ultimately enjoyed a drink or two, before the fun begins tomorrow.
More to follow tomorrow when we will be in the barmy, but equally awesome God Rush town of Dawson.
Wednesday 18th March – Two days to go
Hello again….. Well we have arrived in Dawson. This authentic gold rush town still boasts the wooden sidewalks and gravel roads and additionally provides an incredible welcome to the Likeys 6633 Arctic Ultra.
The drive up to Dawson today took 6+ hours which included a number of stops along the way to see both some wonderful views at certain vantage points and the replenish food and drink to see us through to our destination. The most striking thing about today was how unusually warm the weather has turned. In past years we have typically seen temperatures in the -20 as we leave Whitehorse and dropping accordingly as we travel north to perhaps -30 by the time we get to Dawson. This year the whole journey was at a barmy 0 degrees give or take a degree or two.
A lot can happen in a day or two in the Arctic, but I reckon a few athletes might still be in for a shock if they have become complacent. We have on a number of years travelled up to the start line in beautiful sunshine only to find the road closed at Eagle Plains due to high winds and severe cold only 40-50 miles up the road. Tomorrow will see if this happens again… Although as I write this, the road over Wright Pass is open, so we will see.
This evening everyone has had the chance to get themselves a bite to eat in the bar of the Downtown Hotel. This was followed by the annual SourToe Cocktail for anyone who hasn’t had one before. For those that don’t know, a SourToe Cocktail comprises a shot of 40% proof Yukon Jack with an amputated pickled toe in it. The tradition requires the drinker to bolt the drink and to make sure the toe touches their lips. Daft as it might seem, 58,000 have done it before (from memory, my membership card is 20,005).
After this little tradition, everyone is now back in their rooms hopefully getting a good nights sleep before we head up the Dempster from Klondike Corner tomorrow. The journey is always beautiful and never disappoints.
More tomorrow from Eagle Plains – Start Line of the Likeys 6633 Arctic Ultra 2015. Bring it on.
Thursday 19th March – One day to go
Right, we are back.
A little more encouraging this morning, we did wake up to double digit minus temperatures…. And the difference was startling compared to yesterday’s unseasonably tropical temperatures.
Although no mad rush to leave Dawson, by 10am all vehicles were on the road heading up the Dempster to the start line at Eagle Plains. From Klondike Corner (the start of the Dempster) the meandering drive up through the Tombstone Mountains, followed by the Ogilvie Mountains is in my humble opinion one of the most beautiful and magical roads you could wish to drive on. A few stops along the way to take in the vast open landscape and mountains can but leave you a little humbled – at least it does it for me every year.
And arriving in Eagle Plains after 5 hours, guess what??....... Although predicted last night as a bit of a throw away comment…. The road north through Wright Pass and Hurricane Alley is indeed closed!!! It is hard to believe this sat here in the comfort of the Motel, but 40 miles up the road winds are currently blowing in excess of 60 mph and the snow is drifting up to 4 foot deep. The athletes might yet get the extremes they have been secretly wishing for, and equally they might regret wishing for those conditions come 24 hours time….. We will see.
After food and drink in the bar at Eagle Plains, all the athletes have now headed to their rooms for their last nights sleep before we (hopefully) start the race tomorrow morning at 9.00am.
More to come tomorrow…..
Friday 20th March – Race day one
OK…So today is Race Day!!!!
But as is always the case in the Arctic, you can’t predict anything. That said, we have been in this situation before in previous race…..
The situation is that at 6.30 am this morning, whilst it appeared to be a beautiful morning here at Eagle Plains, the high winds a few miles up the road have not abated overnight. The result is that the trail going north is closed with drifting snow up to 4’ high meaning little to no chance of it opening today.
With this news in mind and wishing not to delay the start unnecessarily we started the race behind closed gates with the intention of racing to the Arctic Circle and then returning to Eagle Plains.
However, the situation didn’t improve through the day, it fact it got worse, with more and more drifting snow.
All the athletes made it to the Arctic Circle in some very demanding conditions, but instead of continuing north towards the Northwest Territories border, they have had to retrace their steps back to Whitehorse. Whilst every did make it to the Arctic Circle, unfortunately it was here we got our first casualty of the race. Eoin Scott had to pull out with a recurrence of previous knee problem. I haven’t seen him to speak to him myself (due to being stranded either side of a series of snow drifts), but I understand that whilst disappointed his spirits remain high.
So as we passed into night time, the chances of clearing the snow off the trail become more and more fruitless. Drifts up to 4’ high that had been impressively cleared earlier in the day were simply blown back in within hours. As a result, contingency plan “G” kicked into place (you have to be flexible organising a race of this nature and in this environment) – although we had positioned a trailer, vehicles and a medic at the Arctic Circle, for those front runners who managed to get back to Eagle Plains before midnight, after resting, simply had to return to the remote Airstrip situated 20km away.
Whilst everyone would love to be proceeding up the Dempster, Mother Nature has other ideas today, and there is nothing we can do about it.
As we continued through the night, the race found a few more casualties. Scott Larvan, whilst not officially out of the race, is currently the only remaining athlete still in the Arctic Circle area suffering from severe shin splints – so is highly likely to be a withdrawal in the morning. Denis Conroy has similarly succumb to the brutality of this environment pulling out with a few km’s of the return to Eagle Plains. Again it was a former niggling injury that reared its head. Finally our Italian friend Marco Civardi decided to call it a day once back at Eagle Plains. Marco is up there as one of the nicest guys you could ever wish to meet, which it makes it all the more disappointing – but he will be staying with the race and supporting the remaining athletes.
So whilst that covers the withdrawals, there are some mightily impressive performances out there too. Sam Hawkins from Wales is absolutely steaming along the trail and is currently about 10km ahead of second place. In second are Nics Wetherill and Natalie Taylor who are working very well together. Time will tell, but it will be interesting to see if Sams lead will be maintained as the two ladies are certainly determined.
Right, I would like to write more, but I need to bet back out on the trail to “juggle more eels” in this mad event.
Fingers are very firmly crossed that the winds will die down in the morning and the drifts can be cleared. It’s a big ask, but I know there are quite a few people apart from ourselves who want to crack on up the trail.
If there is no report tomorrow, its good news, we are going North. If I am still ensconced in Eagle Plains, it means we are still being hampered by some very humbling weather. I don’t think any other race could boast such challenging conditions – so hats off to those taking part…. They are awesome.
Saturday 21st March – Race day two
It’s day 2 here in the Yukon. I would like to be saying “it’s day 2 here in the Northwest Territories” but the weather and trail conditions had other ideas. Unfortunately the road was not cleared this morning, and as I write this (late evening) it still hasn’t been cleared of the excessive drifting snow that is so prevalent here.
All that said, in the words of the famous Freddie Mercury, “The show must go on”.
So let’s start with some bad news….. Scott Larvan who was the only athletes stuck on the wrong (Arctic) side of the snow drift that separated us last night pulled from the race this morning. Shin splints are not something that will disappear overnight, so it was an inevitable, but sensible decision.
Although not ideal, in order to make sure athletes are getting the miles in their legs, we are having to do repeats of the distance from Eagle Plains to the Arctic Circle. The terrain over this 23 mile distance is NOT easy and includes a significant descent of about 7 miles followed by a significant ascent of about 7 miles and for the remainder still provides a good number of undulations. So not only are the athletes have to deal with the unavoidable disappointment of not being able to proceed up the trail, the part they are having to repeat is possibly the most physically testing 23 miles on the whole route. There haven’t been too many cases of “sense of humour” failure, these are a hardy bunch of athletes in every respect.
In the 120 mile race we have unfortunately lost a couple of athletes during the day. Gary Parker and George Economou have pulled out, but four athletes are still going strong. Of these, Jorgen Thorsted (Norway) is currently leading, with Erick Basset (France) hot on his heels. Mike DeNoma (US) is currently in 3rd place with Philippa Crocker (England) in 4th.
Whilst in the 350 race we have also had a few withdrawals today, primarily due to cold related injuries, namely Ben Ollivere and David Smale, whilst Rob Coleman’s withdrawal was from a recurrence of a back problem. Still going strong at the front are Sam Hawking and Nat Taylor, closely followed by Nics Wetherill. Although I haven’t got time on this occasion to name them, all the remaining athletes are looking good as we head into day three, and hopefully some positive news that the road ahead will open.
Sunday 22nd March – Race day three
We have woken up this morning (actually that is a lie – we never went to sleep) to a more positive feeling that the road WILL open today. As of early this morning, this optimism might not have been shared by everyone, but with this thought in mind we decided to direct our athletes forward through the drifts that had been cleared the previous day. Our hope being that if all else failed we would at least reach Rock River, which would offer a change of scenery if nothing else.
But before we get to the excitement of covering new ground, the front runners in the 120 mile race arrived at the finish line. Leading pretty much from the start, a flippin awesome performance from a very resourceful athlete saw Jorgen Thorsted from Norway cross the finish line early this morning in a time of 46 hours 30 minutes In second place the ever smiling Frenchman Erick Basset likewise crossed the finish line in 47 hours 38 minutes. For Jorgen, I believe this will be a much appreciated result having been ill during last months MYAU which resulted in a far below par performance. It is wonderful that all his training has ultimately been put to good use. Still with plenty of time available, Mike DeNoma and Philippa Crocker still have some way to go to the finish line, but at the time of typing, Mike is looking like he will comfortably finish within the time limit, whilst Philippa will possibly be very close to the mark….Go Philippa Go!!!
At the front of the 350 event, it is firmly becoming a two horse race between Sam and Nat. Two very different approaches so far….Sam goes hell for leather on the trail and then rests longer at checkpoints, whilst Natalie is very steady over the ground, and equally steady (but quick) through the checkpoints. No idea which way this one might go – I reckon the weather might be the deciding factor with good weather favouring Sam, and poor weather favouring Nat. Unfortunately this evening Nics Wetherill who has been running in 3rd place all day has sensibly withdrawn from the event along with father and son team, Kirk and Mark Strathern from Zimbabwe, both of whom arrived at the temporary checkpoint of Rock River, but alas quite a bit of time down on a schedule to be able to finish the event in time.
This year we have a good contingent of Irish athletes who are adamant that one of them will become the first Irishman to cross the 350 mile line. And to be fair, there are one or two of them that are looking like they are taking up this mantle with some enthusiasm. Of these Gavan Hannigan is currently (as of midnight on Sunday) leading the charge with Daithi O’Murchu close on his heels just 2.5km behind. Jonathan Davies is also looking comfortable a further 22km back, whilst our good friend Paddy Craig is about 18 km further back. Paddy has been suffering, so we might see an unfortunate result tomorrow, albeit fingers crossed I have got this one wrong.
Of the other nations represented…..
Des Mathias from Wales is going very well and is currently alongside Gav on the trail. Lynne Hewitt from Australia is looking very focused and is here to address a DNF from 2013. Albeit she is perhaps flirting with time left in this race, I reckon there is a glint in her eye that tells me we will see her in Tuk within the 8 days. Than Juang from Thailand is likewise looking comfortable and as far as I can see there is nothing for me to have concerns about. Paul Fosh (England) is very well prepared for this event and it is showing. He doesn’t seem to like mornings, but during the latter part of the day and into the evening he seem to thrive. Again very very pleased with his progress. Hendra Wijaya from Indonesia is your typical Duracell Bunny…. He just keeps going and going. I was quite concerned about Hendra both before the start and over the first day or two…. But all ill founded. Hendra has most certainly found his feet and is doing brilliant. He is close to the time where completing this event in time might be difficult, but there is still plenty of time to address that without panicking.
Hopefully I have given everyone a call, but if I have missed anyone, I will address that tomorrow.
Finally some GOOD NEWS…. The road opened this evening, so with this in mind we are treating Rock River as the final checkpoint on this part of the race. As athletes wake from their bivy at Rock River, we will move each athlete up the trail to their respective start point, having calculated the distance they have covered over the last few days. Going the furthest up the trail will be Sam Hawkings, who will be dropped off 15km north of Tsiigehtchic, whilst currently bringing up the rear will be Hendra who will be dropped off at Fort McPherson.
Time for some sleep….Good Night!!!
Monday 23rd March – Race day four
A mad morning this morning moving athletes up the trail to where they would be positioned had we not be hampered over the last few days….
I won’t bore you with all the details, but it is such a relief to have the athletes on the route in their correct positions…. Now the race can begin!!
However, before we get into the fun of today, unfortunately at first light and at the time of moving everyone forward, Paddy Craig withdraw from the race. This hasn’t come as too much of a surprise as I know he has been suffering for some time…. On discussing this later in the day with him, I think we concluded that we are both old buggers albeit we like to think otherwise. I recommend golf… although wasn’t brave enough to suggest this to his face.
Back on the trail and already heading towards Caribou Creek…. With her typical quick time through the checkpoint, Nat Taylor got a head start on Sam Hawking. At one point her lead was up to 10 km, but I reckon Sam is a tough begger, so this isn’t over yet.
Because of the adjustments to distances, with the exception of the 2 front runners, everyone else is stretched between Fort McPherson and Tsiigehtchic. With some a mere 18 km from this established checkpoint, it was a bit of a pleasant dash to reach this shelter. Other’s had considerably further to go, but by this evening everyone had arrived at Tsiigehtchic, and quite a few have already departed on the very tough stretch to Caribou Creek.
Going to keep this report quite short as I have to make a mad dash up the trail… But in summary, what a relief to be running back where we should be!!!
Tuesday 24th March – Race day five
Sorry for the short report yesterday, but a lot is going on all at the same time and over an 80km spread.
Overnight Natalie has maintained her lead as the 2 leaders headed into the next stage from Caribou Creek to Inuvik. This is a nice stage for the athletes in that it isn’t too long, it undulates gently and doesn’t comprise of long never ending straights. Both Nat and Sam covered this distance in short time arriving at Arctic Chalets in Inuvik at 11.55am and 1.20pm respectively. Both opted to take comparatively sensible breaks here as it’s the last checkpoint of substance before the end. Nat left and headed out on to the Ice Road to Tuktoyaktuk at 7.00pm, with Sam following 9.20pm
Back up the trail we were gutted to hear the Des Mathias has pulled out. He has been having problems with his feet for quite some time in this race, a factor that was starting to severely hamper both his time and his progress. This will have come as quite a shock to most people who know him or know the competitors in this race… Before this race started on Friday, I think it would be safe to say that if a bet was made as to who was going to finish this race (not necessarily win it), then I think Des would have been that choice.
On a more positive note, Daithi made it to Caribou Creek and at the time of writing is fast approaching Inuvik. Jonathan and Gav both made it to Caribou Creek, completing one flippin tough stage that I can announce brought tears to the eyes of one of the Irishmen, whilst Paul is continuing in his now trademark steady uncomplicated way and is currently bivvying down under the Northern Lights about midway between Caribou Creek and Inuvik.
Although I haven’t had a chance to travel back up the trail to see them today, Than, Hendra and Lynne have neigh on broken the back of the stage to Caribou Creek. That will be massive achievement as the stage from Tsiigehtchic to Caribou Creek is soul destroying by anyone’s standards.
Tomorrow should see most of the athletes heading out on to the Ice Road – what a wonderful place to be…
Wednesday 25th March – Race day six
I think today can be regarded as heading into the final stretch of this year’s race.
Up at the front, the lead that Nat had built up over the last 36 hours was quickly cut down overnight by Sam, and Sam has now taken a lead that looks pretty commanding. There is still some way to go in this race, but the lead man really does have a steely look in his eyes. By late evening Sam is already through Swimming Point and on the last 50 mile stage to Tuk. At the time of writing, a mad dash, which I think he is capable of, could see Mimi Andersons record challenged. Nat is having a deserved shortish break at Swimming Point and will be heading after Sam soon.
In the next group, Daithi arrived at Arctic Chalets at 3.00am this morning with spirits high and talking incessantly. The man is as mad as a bag of frogs and has become one of the most popular athletes in this race. I have no idea what he is talking about half the time, but one thing for sure, he is getting the job done with a smile on his face most of the time. After 5 hours break at Arctic Chalet, Daithi was back on the trail heading onto the Ice Road and Swimming Point. By late this evening, he has made considerable inroads into this stage and we hope to see him at Swimming point late tomorrow.
Paul, Gav and Johnny, whilst not necessarily always together, have likewise arrived at Arctic Chalets in Inuvik and have this evening heading off onto the Ice Road.
Hendra and Than have both had their best stage to date, covering the 38 miles from Caribou Creek in good time, and including a lot of running to make up this time. Just before midnight Hendra headed off onto the Ice Road, with Than planning to leave soon.
Unfortunately today, we have lost Lynne from the race. I haven’t had a chance to speak to her yet, but I can say that I am bitterly disappointed to see her withdraw. I know how much completing this event meant to her, and equally know how capable she is and that a finish is certainly within her grasp…..Gutted!!!
Tomorrow everyone is on the Ice Road. The Ice Road can be lovely at times, at other times it’s a flippin nightmare….Let’s see what the morning brings.
Thursday 26th March – Race day seven
So today started with a mad dash for us up to Tuk. Sam has certainly shown that he has the speed to cover a lot of ground quickly, and with this in mind, it was feasible, if not perhaps a little optimistic that he might just arrive on the banks of the Arctic Ocean earlier than we had planned.
However, on reaching the mid point of the last stage into Tuk from Swimming Point, our first encounter was with Natalie, who was her ever chirpy self and was maintaining the very speed she started this whole race. If ever there was a model of how to succeed in this race, Nats was displaying it. Totally in control at all times, never stressing, but always moving forwards. Nats had resigned herself to second place understandably believing that Sam had disappeared into the distance for the final time many many hours earlier.
Little did she know that Sam was bivvying 15km up the Ice Road.
A few hours later the two met once again for the final time and from what I can tell, declared an honourable truce and decided to see this little jaunt out together. So with an anxious support crew and further well wishers waiting patiently at the finish line, Sam and Nats casually walked the final 30km into Tuk to finish as joint winners of the 2015 editions of the 6633 Ultra…. And I for one think that is a cracking result!!!
With everyone else also proceeding up the Ice Road, Daithi was quickly through Swimming Point in the early evening, and whilst he has his moments of despair, on the whole this popular man is doing a cracking job. I am 100% certain that late afternoon/early evening Daithi will be crossing the finish line.
With the three usual suspects follow, Paul has got a slight lead on Johnathan, whilst Jonathan has a slight lead on Gav, but all within spitting distance of one another. At the time of writing, all three are approaching Swimming Point and I would expect will be on their way in the early hours of the morning.
Hendra is continuing methodically and with every day that passes looks more and more comfortable in these surroundings. If I have to be honest, before the race I thought Hendra was likely to be an early casualty….. I am so flippin chuffed he has proved me wrong and has done it in style. He wont reach Swimming Point tonight, but should be there early in the morning. A quick turn around at Swimming Point will surely mean that he will remain in time to finish by 9.00am on Saturday.
As for Than….. Where do you start? The Man is brilliant. He is currently propping up the rear of the racers left in, but I would imaging is the happiest man on the course. Whilst conscious of the time of the finish, Than seems to be attracting the attention of all on sundry on this desolute road. At one stage he had gone missing, but was ultimately tracked down to a reindeer herders hut drinking tea…. Next thing is that he is walking alongside a lady who is cycling around the World. Than, I would like to believe, is totally in control of his pacing and timing, and whilst he is currently at the back, I am certain he will be in Tuk before 9.00am on Saturday.
Its been a mad day, but it wonderful to be back in the harsh yet beautiful location, watching amazing people achieve incredible feats. This race has been dubbed by many as the toughest race on the planet…. It’s a reputation that is being maintained and justified.
More finishers tomorrow, I am sure…
Friday 27th March – Race day eight
We are most definitely now in the home straight.
A quick check up the trail provided a very positive indication that today was going to be a momentous day in the history of the Likeys 6633 Arctic Ultra. The most finishers we have had in the past of the 350 mile event is four (2013), but if all went according to plan, that figure was likely to be doubled today.
The first man we met on the trail (and therefore the man nearest to the finish line) was Daithi, who with 44km to go looked strong, composed and cheerful. I know Daithi has suffered considerably during this race, but the smell of the finish line has certainly bolstered his spirits. Daithi has a commanding lead over his fellow competitors, with Paul at 61 km from the finish, Jonny at 62km and Gav a little way back at 69km.
Hendra, who up until now had been a distant consideration to the above three has moved well and truly up the trail and at the time of seeing him had literally just left Swimming Point at 75km having had a short rest. Whilst at Swimming Point, Than arrived at the checkpoint and was planning a short stop.
No drama with any of them, which I think is probably a good thing.
Leaving them to get on with it for much of the rest of the day, Daithi arrived within spitting distance of the finish line early this evening, having had the company of a lady cycling around the world for the last few hours. Crossing the finish line a little before 8.00pm, Daithi has certainly provided us with one of the most emotional finishes in all the years of the race, and he certainly deserved every ounce of emotion for what he has been through this last 7 days.
A little way back up the course, rumour was flying that Gav had now caught Jonny, an both were running like men possessed. With 6km lead Paul Fosh was possibly at risk of being caught, if the manic pace at which they were now covering the ground could be maintained.
As I have mentioned before, Paul has been meticulous with his preparation and execution of his race, and a mad scurry behind him wasn’t going to deviate him from his plan….. And as it turned out, he didn’t need to worry in any case. Arriving in Tuktoyaktuk 20 minutes before midnight, Paul was our fourth person across the line in 2015.
Looking back across the McKenzie Delta just as Paul was finishing, it was possible to see the head torches of his pursuers. Jonny and Gav had certainly made up some considerable time on Paul, but ultimately crossed the line together just after 12.30am.
Now awaiting the final two, Than and Hendra had once again joined company and were heading at pace towards Tuktoyaktuk. At 3.00am they were within a few kilometres of the finish line, but a few technical issues with a flag that Hendra wanted to display, meant that this two exceptional athletes finally finished this years Likeys 6633 Arctic Ultra, making a grand total of eight awesome finisher in 2015.
With a loooong drive home starting tomorrow, I am going to say goodnight.
Course Records:-
120 Miles - Kevin Hollings - 2013 - 34hrs 35mins
350 Miles - Mimi Anderson - 2007 - 143hrs 25mins
Welcome to the 7th edition of the Likeys 6633 Arctic Ultra.
Over the last 3 days 27 athletes representing 12 countries have descended on Whitehorse in the Yukon Region of Canada, ready for possibly the biggest challenge of their lives.
With the benefit of past knowledge that has been passed on from veterans to rookies of this race, I think I can say with some confidence that on the whole the competitors this year are better prepared for the event than ever before. I am sure there will be one or two who might have underestimated the challenge ahead, but putting my head on the line from the outset, I think we are going to have some good results over the next couple of weeks.
Whilst the athletes and crew have unofficially been meeting and greeting one another over the past few days, this afternoon at the High Country Inn in Whitehorse was the official welcome to the race for the athletes. Race numbers were distributed, and a brief overview of the event was presented before a fairly concise medical presentation was given by Katie Rollins that naturally focused on the pertinent considerations for those mad enough to race in Arctic conditions. This was followed by the distribution of Race goodies and the team photo outside the hotel.
Once we leave Whitehorse tomorrow, there is little (if no) chance to address sled issues that might arise following the transportation to Canada. So this evening, as we have done every other year, all athletes are required to attend the outdoor clinic where they pull their packed sled to the near by frozen lake on the outskirts of town, then set up their bivy and make themselves a cup of coffee. This little exercise soon threw up a few sled issues for some athletes to attend to overnight, and additionally it show us as the organisers that those taken part do have the ability to get themselves into a warm bivy and look after themselves when they get out on the trail.
With it being St Patricks Day, whilst not over indulging many of the athletes ultimately enjoyed a drink or two, before the fun begins tomorrow.
More to follow tomorrow when we will be in the barmy, but equally awesome God Rush town of Dawson.
Wednesday 18th March – Two days to go
Hello again….. Well we have arrived in Dawson. This authentic gold rush town still boasts the wooden sidewalks and gravel roads and additionally provides an incredible welcome to the Likeys 6633 Arctic Ultra.
The drive up to Dawson today took 6+ hours which included a number of stops along the way to see both some wonderful views at certain vantage points and the replenish food and drink to see us through to our destination. The most striking thing about today was how unusually warm the weather has turned. In past years we have typically seen temperatures in the -20 as we leave Whitehorse and dropping accordingly as we travel north to perhaps -30 by the time we get to Dawson. This year the whole journey was at a barmy 0 degrees give or take a degree or two.
A lot can happen in a day or two in the Arctic, but I reckon a few athletes might still be in for a shock if they have become complacent. We have on a number of years travelled up to the start line in beautiful sunshine only to find the road closed at Eagle Plains due to high winds and severe cold only 40-50 miles up the road. Tomorrow will see if this happens again… Although as I write this, the road over Wright Pass is open, so we will see.
This evening everyone has had the chance to get themselves a bite to eat in the bar of the Downtown Hotel. This was followed by the annual SourToe Cocktail for anyone who hasn’t had one before. For those that don’t know, a SourToe Cocktail comprises a shot of 40% proof Yukon Jack with an amputated pickled toe in it. The tradition requires the drinker to bolt the drink and to make sure the toe touches their lips. Daft as it might seem, 58,000 have done it before (from memory, my membership card is 20,005).
After this little tradition, everyone is now back in their rooms hopefully getting a good nights sleep before we head up the Dempster from Klondike Corner tomorrow. The journey is always beautiful and never disappoints.
More tomorrow from Eagle Plains – Start Line of the Likeys 6633 Arctic Ultra 2015. Bring it on.
Thursday 19th March – One day to go
Right, we are back.
A little more encouraging this morning, we did wake up to double digit minus temperatures…. And the difference was startling compared to yesterday’s unseasonably tropical temperatures.
Although no mad rush to leave Dawson, by 10am all vehicles were on the road heading up the Dempster to the start line at Eagle Plains. From Klondike Corner (the start of the Dempster) the meandering drive up through the Tombstone Mountains, followed by the Ogilvie Mountains is in my humble opinion one of the most beautiful and magical roads you could wish to drive on. A few stops along the way to take in the vast open landscape and mountains can but leave you a little humbled – at least it does it for me every year.
And arriving in Eagle Plains after 5 hours, guess what??....... Although predicted last night as a bit of a throw away comment…. The road north through Wright Pass and Hurricane Alley is indeed closed!!! It is hard to believe this sat here in the comfort of the Motel, but 40 miles up the road winds are currently blowing in excess of 60 mph and the snow is drifting up to 4 foot deep. The athletes might yet get the extremes they have been secretly wishing for, and equally they might regret wishing for those conditions come 24 hours time….. We will see.
After food and drink in the bar at Eagle Plains, all the athletes have now headed to their rooms for their last nights sleep before we (hopefully) start the race tomorrow morning at 9.00am.
More to come tomorrow…..
Friday 20th March – Race day one
OK…So today is Race Day!!!!
But as is always the case in the Arctic, you can’t predict anything. That said, we have been in this situation before in previous race…..
The situation is that at 6.30 am this morning, whilst it appeared to be a beautiful morning here at Eagle Plains, the high winds a few miles up the road have not abated overnight. The result is that the trail going north is closed with drifting snow up to 4’ high meaning little to no chance of it opening today.
With this news in mind and wishing not to delay the start unnecessarily we started the race behind closed gates with the intention of racing to the Arctic Circle and then returning to Eagle Plains.
However, the situation didn’t improve through the day, it fact it got worse, with more and more drifting snow.
All the athletes made it to the Arctic Circle in some very demanding conditions, but instead of continuing north towards the Northwest Territories border, they have had to retrace their steps back to Whitehorse. Whilst every did make it to the Arctic Circle, unfortunately it was here we got our first casualty of the race. Eoin Scott had to pull out with a recurrence of previous knee problem. I haven’t seen him to speak to him myself (due to being stranded either side of a series of snow drifts), but I understand that whilst disappointed his spirits remain high.
So as we passed into night time, the chances of clearing the snow off the trail become more and more fruitless. Drifts up to 4’ high that had been impressively cleared earlier in the day were simply blown back in within hours. As a result, contingency plan “G” kicked into place (you have to be flexible organising a race of this nature and in this environment) – although we had positioned a trailer, vehicles and a medic at the Arctic Circle, for those front runners who managed to get back to Eagle Plains before midnight, after resting, simply had to return to the remote Airstrip situated 20km away.
Whilst everyone would love to be proceeding up the Dempster, Mother Nature has other ideas today, and there is nothing we can do about it.
As we continued through the night, the race found a few more casualties. Scott Larvan, whilst not officially out of the race, is currently the only remaining athlete still in the Arctic Circle area suffering from severe shin splints – so is highly likely to be a withdrawal in the morning. Denis Conroy has similarly succumb to the brutality of this environment pulling out with a few km’s of the return to Eagle Plains. Again it was a former niggling injury that reared its head. Finally our Italian friend Marco Civardi decided to call it a day once back at Eagle Plains. Marco is up there as one of the nicest guys you could ever wish to meet, which it makes it all the more disappointing – but he will be staying with the race and supporting the remaining athletes.
So whilst that covers the withdrawals, there are some mightily impressive performances out there too. Sam Hawkins from Wales is absolutely steaming along the trail and is currently about 10km ahead of second place. In second are Nics Wetherill and Natalie Taylor who are working very well together. Time will tell, but it will be interesting to see if Sams lead will be maintained as the two ladies are certainly determined.
Right, I would like to write more, but I need to bet back out on the trail to “juggle more eels” in this mad event.
Fingers are very firmly crossed that the winds will die down in the morning and the drifts can be cleared. It’s a big ask, but I know there are quite a few people apart from ourselves who want to crack on up the trail.
If there is no report tomorrow, its good news, we are going North. If I am still ensconced in Eagle Plains, it means we are still being hampered by some very humbling weather. I don’t think any other race could boast such challenging conditions – so hats off to those taking part…. They are awesome.
Saturday 21st March – Race day two
It’s day 2 here in the Yukon. I would like to be saying “it’s day 2 here in the Northwest Territories” but the weather and trail conditions had other ideas. Unfortunately the road was not cleared this morning, and as I write this (late evening) it still hasn’t been cleared of the excessive drifting snow that is so prevalent here.
All that said, in the words of the famous Freddie Mercury, “The show must go on”.
So let’s start with some bad news….. Scott Larvan who was the only athletes stuck on the wrong (Arctic) side of the snow drift that separated us last night pulled from the race this morning. Shin splints are not something that will disappear overnight, so it was an inevitable, but sensible decision.
Although not ideal, in order to make sure athletes are getting the miles in their legs, we are having to do repeats of the distance from Eagle Plains to the Arctic Circle. The terrain over this 23 mile distance is NOT easy and includes a significant descent of about 7 miles followed by a significant ascent of about 7 miles and for the remainder still provides a good number of undulations. So not only are the athletes have to deal with the unavoidable disappointment of not being able to proceed up the trail, the part they are having to repeat is possibly the most physically testing 23 miles on the whole route. There haven’t been too many cases of “sense of humour” failure, these are a hardy bunch of athletes in every respect.
In the 120 mile race we have unfortunately lost a couple of athletes during the day. Gary Parker and George Economou have pulled out, but four athletes are still going strong. Of these, Jorgen Thorsted (Norway) is currently leading, with Erick Basset (France) hot on his heels. Mike DeNoma (US) is currently in 3rd place with Philippa Crocker (England) in 4th.
Whilst in the 350 race we have also had a few withdrawals today, primarily due to cold related injuries, namely Ben Ollivere and David Smale, whilst Rob Coleman’s withdrawal was from a recurrence of a back problem. Still going strong at the front are Sam Hawking and Nat Taylor, closely followed by Nics Wetherill. Although I haven’t got time on this occasion to name them, all the remaining athletes are looking good as we head into day three, and hopefully some positive news that the road ahead will open.
Sunday 22nd March – Race day three
We have woken up this morning (actually that is a lie – we never went to sleep) to a more positive feeling that the road WILL open today. As of early this morning, this optimism might not have been shared by everyone, but with this thought in mind we decided to direct our athletes forward through the drifts that had been cleared the previous day. Our hope being that if all else failed we would at least reach Rock River, which would offer a change of scenery if nothing else.
But before we get to the excitement of covering new ground, the front runners in the 120 mile race arrived at the finish line. Leading pretty much from the start, a flippin awesome performance from a very resourceful athlete saw Jorgen Thorsted from Norway cross the finish line early this morning in a time of 46 hours 30 minutes In second place the ever smiling Frenchman Erick Basset likewise crossed the finish line in 47 hours 38 minutes. For Jorgen, I believe this will be a much appreciated result having been ill during last months MYAU which resulted in a far below par performance. It is wonderful that all his training has ultimately been put to good use. Still with plenty of time available, Mike DeNoma and Philippa Crocker still have some way to go to the finish line, but at the time of typing, Mike is looking like he will comfortably finish within the time limit, whilst Philippa will possibly be very close to the mark….Go Philippa Go!!!
At the front of the 350 event, it is firmly becoming a two horse race between Sam and Nat. Two very different approaches so far….Sam goes hell for leather on the trail and then rests longer at checkpoints, whilst Natalie is very steady over the ground, and equally steady (but quick) through the checkpoints. No idea which way this one might go – I reckon the weather might be the deciding factor with good weather favouring Sam, and poor weather favouring Nat. Unfortunately this evening Nics Wetherill who has been running in 3rd place all day has sensibly withdrawn from the event along with father and son team, Kirk and Mark Strathern from Zimbabwe, both of whom arrived at the temporary checkpoint of Rock River, but alas quite a bit of time down on a schedule to be able to finish the event in time.
This year we have a good contingent of Irish athletes who are adamant that one of them will become the first Irishman to cross the 350 mile line. And to be fair, there are one or two of them that are looking like they are taking up this mantle with some enthusiasm. Of these Gavan Hannigan is currently (as of midnight on Sunday) leading the charge with Daithi O’Murchu close on his heels just 2.5km behind. Jonathan Davies is also looking comfortable a further 22km back, whilst our good friend Paddy Craig is about 18 km further back. Paddy has been suffering, so we might see an unfortunate result tomorrow, albeit fingers crossed I have got this one wrong.
Of the other nations represented…..
Des Mathias from Wales is going very well and is currently alongside Gav on the trail. Lynne Hewitt from Australia is looking very focused and is here to address a DNF from 2013. Albeit she is perhaps flirting with time left in this race, I reckon there is a glint in her eye that tells me we will see her in Tuk within the 8 days. Than Juang from Thailand is likewise looking comfortable and as far as I can see there is nothing for me to have concerns about. Paul Fosh (England) is very well prepared for this event and it is showing. He doesn’t seem to like mornings, but during the latter part of the day and into the evening he seem to thrive. Again very very pleased with his progress. Hendra Wijaya from Indonesia is your typical Duracell Bunny…. He just keeps going and going. I was quite concerned about Hendra both before the start and over the first day or two…. But all ill founded. Hendra has most certainly found his feet and is doing brilliant. He is close to the time where completing this event in time might be difficult, but there is still plenty of time to address that without panicking.
Hopefully I have given everyone a call, but if I have missed anyone, I will address that tomorrow.
Finally some GOOD NEWS…. The road opened this evening, so with this in mind we are treating Rock River as the final checkpoint on this part of the race. As athletes wake from their bivy at Rock River, we will move each athlete up the trail to their respective start point, having calculated the distance they have covered over the last few days. Going the furthest up the trail will be Sam Hawkings, who will be dropped off 15km north of Tsiigehtchic, whilst currently bringing up the rear will be Hendra who will be dropped off at Fort McPherson.
Time for some sleep….Good Night!!!
Monday 23rd March – Race day four
A mad morning this morning moving athletes up the trail to where they would be positioned had we not be hampered over the last few days….
I won’t bore you with all the details, but it is such a relief to have the athletes on the route in their correct positions…. Now the race can begin!!
However, before we get into the fun of today, unfortunately at first light and at the time of moving everyone forward, Paddy Craig withdraw from the race. This hasn’t come as too much of a surprise as I know he has been suffering for some time…. On discussing this later in the day with him, I think we concluded that we are both old buggers albeit we like to think otherwise. I recommend golf… although wasn’t brave enough to suggest this to his face.
Back on the trail and already heading towards Caribou Creek…. With her typical quick time through the checkpoint, Nat Taylor got a head start on Sam Hawking. At one point her lead was up to 10 km, but I reckon Sam is a tough begger, so this isn’t over yet.
Because of the adjustments to distances, with the exception of the 2 front runners, everyone else is stretched between Fort McPherson and Tsiigehtchic. With some a mere 18 km from this established checkpoint, it was a bit of a pleasant dash to reach this shelter. Other’s had considerably further to go, but by this evening everyone had arrived at Tsiigehtchic, and quite a few have already departed on the very tough stretch to Caribou Creek.
Going to keep this report quite short as I have to make a mad dash up the trail… But in summary, what a relief to be running back where we should be!!!
Tuesday 24th March – Race day five
Sorry for the short report yesterday, but a lot is going on all at the same time and over an 80km spread.
Overnight Natalie has maintained her lead as the 2 leaders headed into the next stage from Caribou Creek to Inuvik. This is a nice stage for the athletes in that it isn’t too long, it undulates gently and doesn’t comprise of long never ending straights. Both Nat and Sam covered this distance in short time arriving at Arctic Chalets in Inuvik at 11.55am and 1.20pm respectively. Both opted to take comparatively sensible breaks here as it’s the last checkpoint of substance before the end. Nat left and headed out on to the Ice Road to Tuktoyaktuk at 7.00pm, with Sam following 9.20pm
Back up the trail we were gutted to hear the Des Mathias has pulled out. He has been having problems with his feet for quite some time in this race, a factor that was starting to severely hamper both his time and his progress. This will have come as quite a shock to most people who know him or know the competitors in this race… Before this race started on Friday, I think it would be safe to say that if a bet was made as to who was going to finish this race (not necessarily win it), then I think Des would have been that choice.
On a more positive note, Daithi made it to Caribou Creek and at the time of writing is fast approaching Inuvik. Jonathan and Gav both made it to Caribou Creek, completing one flippin tough stage that I can announce brought tears to the eyes of one of the Irishmen, whilst Paul is continuing in his now trademark steady uncomplicated way and is currently bivvying down under the Northern Lights about midway between Caribou Creek and Inuvik.
Although I haven’t had a chance to travel back up the trail to see them today, Than, Hendra and Lynne have neigh on broken the back of the stage to Caribou Creek. That will be massive achievement as the stage from Tsiigehtchic to Caribou Creek is soul destroying by anyone’s standards.
Tomorrow should see most of the athletes heading out on to the Ice Road – what a wonderful place to be…
Wednesday 25th March – Race day six
I think today can be regarded as heading into the final stretch of this year’s race.
Up at the front, the lead that Nat had built up over the last 36 hours was quickly cut down overnight by Sam, and Sam has now taken a lead that looks pretty commanding. There is still some way to go in this race, but the lead man really does have a steely look in his eyes. By late evening Sam is already through Swimming Point and on the last 50 mile stage to Tuk. At the time of writing, a mad dash, which I think he is capable of, could see Mimi Andersons record challenged. Nat is having a deserved shortish break at Swimming Point and will be heading after Sam soon.
In the next group, Daithi arrived at Arctic Chalets at 3.00am this morning with spirits high and talking incessantly. The man is as mad as a bag of frogs and has become one of the most popular athletes in this race. I have no idea what he is talking about half the time, but one thing for sure, he is getting the job done with a smile on his face most of the time. After 5 hours break at Arctic Chalet, Daithi was back on the trail heading onto the Ice Road and Swimming Point. By late this evening, he has made considerable inroads into this stage and we hope to see him at Swimming point late tomorrow.
Paul, Gav and Johnny, whilst not necessarily always together, have likewise arrived at Arctic Chalets in Inuvik and have this evening heading off onto the Ice Road.
Hendra and Than have both had their best stage to date, covering the 38 miles from Caribou Creek in good time, and including a lot of running to make up this time. Just before midnight Hendra headed off onto the Ice Road, with Than planning to leave soon.
Unfortunately today, we have lost Lynne from the race. I haven’t had a chance to speak to her yet, but I can say that I am bitterly disappointed to see her withdraw. I know how much completing this event meant to her, and equally know how capable she is and that a finish is certainly within her grasp…..Gutted!!!
Tomorrow everyone is on the Ice Road. The Ice Road can be lovely at times, at other times it’s a flippin nightmare….Let’s see what the morning brings.
Thursday 26th March – Race day seven
So today started with a mad dash for us up to Tuk. Sam has certainly shown that he has the speed to cover a lot of ground quickly, and with this in mind, it was feasible, if not perhaps a little optimistic that he might just arrive on the banks of the Arctic Ocean earlier than we had planned.
However, on reaching the mid point of the last stage into Tuk from Swimming Point, our first encounter was with Natalie, who was her ever chirpy self and was maintaining the very speed she started this whole race. If ever there was a model of how to succeed in this race, Nats was displaying it. Totally in control at all times, never stressing, but always moving forwards. Nats had resigned herself to second place understandably believing that Sam had disappeared into the distance for the final time many many hours earlier.
Little did she know that Sam was bivvying 15km up the Ice Road.
A few hours later the two met once again for the final time and from what I can tell, declared an honourable truce and decided to see this little jaunt out together. So with an anxious support crew and further well wishers waiting patiently at the finish line, Sam and Nats casually walked the final 30km into Tuk to finish as joint winners of the 2015 editions of the 6633 Ultra…. And I for one think that is a cracking result!!!
With everyone else also proceeding up the Ice Road, Daithi was quickly through Swimming Point in the early evening, and whilst he has his moments of despair, on the whole this popular man is doing a cracking job. I am 100% certain that late afternoon/early evening Daithi will be crossing the finish line.
With the three usual suspects follow, Paul has got a slight lead on Johnathan, whilst Jonathan has a slight lead on Gav, but all within spitting distance of one another. At the time of writing, all three are approaching Swimming Point and I would expect will be on their way in the early hours of the morning.
Hendra is continuing methodically and with every day that passes looks more and more comfortable in these surroundings. If I have to be honest, before the race I thought Hendra was likely to be an early casualty….. I am so flippin chuffed he has proved me wrong and has done it in style. He wont reach Swimming Point tonight, but should be there early in the morning. A quick turn around at Swimming Point will surely mean that he will remain in time to finish by 9.00am on Saturday.
As for Than….. Where do you start? The Man is brilliant. He is currently propping up the rear of the racers left in, but I would imaging is the happiest man on the course. Whilst conscious of the time of the finish, Than seems to be attracting the attention of all on sundry on this desolute road. At one stage he had gone missing, but was ultimately tracked down to a reindeer herders hut drinking tea…. Next thing is that he is walking alongside a lady who is cycling around the World. Than, I would like to believe, is totally in control of his pacing and timing, and whilst he is currently at the back, I am certain he will be in Tuk before 9.00am on Saturday.
Its been a mad day, but it wonderful to be back in the harsh yet beautiful location, watching amazing people achieve incredible feats. This race has been dubbed by many as the toughest race on the planet…. It’s a reputation that is being maintained and justified.
More finishers tomorrow, I am sure…
Friday 27th March – Race day eight
We are most definitely now in the home straight.
A quick check up the trail provided a very positive indication that today was going to be a momentous day in the history of the Likeys 6633 Arctic Ultra. The most finishers we have had in the past of the 350 mile event is four (2013), but if all went according to plan, that figure was likely to be doubled today.
The first man we met on the trail (and therefore the man nearest to the finish line) was Daithi, who with 44km to go looked strong, composed and cheerful. I know Daithi has suffered considerably during this race, but the smell of the finish line has certainly bolstered his spirits. Daithi has a commanding lead over his fellow competitors, with Paul at 61 km from the finish, Jonny at 62km and Gav a little way back at 69km.
Hendra, who up until now had been a distant consideration to the above three has moved well and truly up the trail and at the time of seeing him had literally just left Swimming Point at 75km having had a short rest. Whilst at Swimming Point, Than arrived at the checkpoint and was planning a short stop.
No drama with any of them, which I think is probably a good thing.
Leaving them to get on with it for much of the rest of the day, Daithi arrived within spitting distance of the finish line early this evening, having had the company of a lady cycling around the world for the last few hours. Crossing the finish line a little before 8.00pm, Daithi has certainly provided us with one of the most emotional finishes in all the years of the race, and he certainly deserved every ounce of emotion for what he has been through this last 7 days.
A little way back up the course, rumour was flying that Gav had now caught Jonny, an both were running like men possessed. With 6km lead Paul Fosh was possibly at risk of being caught, if the manic pace at which they were now covering the ground could be maintained.
As I have mentioned before, Paul has been meticulous with his preparation and execution of his race, and a mad scurry behind him wasn’t going to deviate him from his plan….. And as it turned out, he didn’t need to worry in any case. Arriving in Tuktoyaktuk 20 minutes before midnight, Paul was our fourth person across the line in 2015.
Looking back across the McKenzie Delta just as Paul was finishing, it was possible to see the head torches of his pursuers. Jonny and Gav had certainly made up some considerable time on Paul, but ultimately crossed the line together just after 12.30am.
Now awaiting the final two, Than and Hendra had once again joined company and were heading at pace towards Tuktoyaktuk. At 3.00am they were within a few kilometres of the finish line, but a few technical issues with a flag that Hendra wanted to display, meant that this two exceptional athletes finally finished this years Likeys 6633 Arctic Ultra, making a grand total of eight awesome finisher in 2015.
With a loooong drive home starting tomorrow, I am going to say goodnight.
Course Records:-
120 Miles - Kevin Hollings - 2013 - 34hrs 35mins
350 Miles - Mimi Anderson - 2007 - 143hrs 25mins
Source: 6633ultra
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