Monthly Archives

October 2026

From the Yukon to the Himalayas – Bhutan Ultra 2027

For more than two decades, the Yukon Arctic Ultra has brought athletes from around the world to Canada’s frozen north, challenging them to discover their limits while experiencing one of the most extraordinary wilderness environments on earth.

If you love exploring remote places, discovering different cultures and challenging yourself in extraordinary environments, I’d like to introduce another event to you: Bhutan Ultra.

A Different Kind of Ultra Adventure

Taking place from November 6–19, 2027, the Bhutan Ultra is a six-stage adventure along the eastern section of the historic Trans Bhutan Trail, in the heart of the Himalayas.

Participants can choose between two distances:

  • 200 km across six stages – the main race
  • 150 km across six stages – a shorter option for those who prefer a little less distance while enjoying the same remarkable experience

Unlike the Yukon Arctic Ultra, where athletes face extreme cold and must manage long distances with a high degree of self-sufficiency, the Bhutan Ultra offers a different kind of challenge.

There will be demanding climbs and descents, mountain trails, changing weather conditions and the physical challenge of running on consecutive days. But there will also be opportunities to recover, share experiences with fellow participants and enjoy the unique atmosphere of a stage race.

More Than Just Running

Bhutan is often called the Land of the Thunder Dragon, and it is a country unlike any other.

Ancient monasteries, spectacular Himalayan scenery, colourful prayer flags, traditional villages and a deeply rooted Buddhist culture make a journey through Bhutan a remarkable experience.

Our itinerary also includes time to discover some of the country’s cultural and natural highlights, including the famous Tiger’s Nest Monastery, Punakha Dzong and other unforgettable places.

The idea behind the Bhutan Ultra is simple: combine a demanding running adventure with the opportunity to get to know an extraordinary country.

Just as the Yukon Arctic Ultra has introduced countless athletes to the beauty and challenges of the Yukon wilderness, I hope the Bhutan Ultra will encourage people to discover a very different, but equally fascinating, part of the world.

Join Us in November 2027!

Whether you’re a Yukon Arctic Ultra veteran looking for a new challenge, or simply someone who enjoys adventures that go beyond conventional races, Bhutan Ultra might be exactly what you’re looking for.

I would love to welcome some familiar faces from the Yukon to the Himalayas!

Find out more about the race, the itinerary and how to join us on the official Bhutan Ultra website:

https://www.bhutan-ultra.com/

Yukon Arctic Ultra: The numbers behind the race

Since 2003, the Yukon Arctic Ultra has challenged athletes from around the world to push their limits in one of the toughest winter environments imaginable. Now, our new Records & Statistics page brings together the numbers, achievements and remarkable stories that have shaped the race.

How many athletes have taken part over the years? Where have they come from? How many have reached the finish line? And who holds the fastest times on our traditional trail?

Our new statistics page offers answers to these questions and more, looking back at over two decades of Yukon Arctic Ultra history.

Records, numbers and remarkable achievements

From participation figures and nationalities to finishing rates and course records, the page provides an overview of the event’s history.

We also take a closer look at how athletes have tackled the challenge: on foot, on skis and on fatbikes.

The course records distinguish between the traditional Yukon Quest trail, used until 2024, and the alternative routes and distances introduced in 2025 and 2026.

Introducing our Hall of Fame

One of the highlights of the new page is our Hall of Fame, celebrating athletes who have successfully completed the Yukon Arctic Ultra in all three disciplines.

Our first three inductees are Enrico Ghidoni, Jessie Gladish and Joaquin Candel. Each has completed extraordinary challenges over the years, including the longest distances we have offered. Their stories go far beyond finishing times and rankings. They reflect determination, versatility and a lasting connection to the Yukon and the race.

A history written by our athletes

Of course, statistics only tell part of the story. Behind every number is an athlete, an adventure, and often a tremendous personal achievement.

Trail conditions, temperatures and weather can vary dramatically from one edition to the next, making direct comparisons difficult. But that’s also what makes the Yukon Arctic Ultra so special: no two races are ever quite the same.

I hope you enjoy exploring the numbers and revisiting some of the memorable performances from our history.