Single racer braves freezing temperatures to finish Yukon ultra-marathon
PELLY CROSSING, Yukon — It’s known as the toughest, coldest race on Earth and the ultra-marathon in Yukon certainly lived up to its reputation this year.
Temperatures dipped as low as -45 C as contestants raced more than 400 kilometres in the Montane Yukon Arctic Ultra, said race organizer Robert Pollhammer.
The cold was so persistent that about seven contestants had to drop out to seek medical attention for frostbite, he added.
“It’s billed as the world’s toughest and coldest for a reason. It’s not just marketing — that’s what it is. And unfortunately, this comes at a price. It can be dangerous,” Pollhammer said.