Race course
In 2027 the Yukon Arctic Ultra will return to the traditional route we had used from 2003 to 2024. The race start will be February 7th in Whitehorse.
There were good reasons to change in 2025. Also, getting to know a new trail and the communities of Teslin, Ross River and Faro along the way, was a great adventure we all would not have wanted to miss. However, we have not been able to connect Faro with Pelly Crossing. So, in both editions of our 600 km race, it meant athletes had to do an “out-and-back”. We tried two variations but it’s never the same as going from A to B.
In general, asking our race community it’s simply a fact that most athletes wanted us to try going back to the old route. I do want to thank everyone who helped us with the two editions of Teslin – Ross River – Faro! I also believe it’s possible we have that 350 km Teslin to Faro as a special edition every now and then!
Regarding distances for 2027, we will have 32 km with a finish line at Muktuk Adventures, 150 km with a finish in Braeburn and a 3-day cut-off, 375 km to Pelly Crossing with a 6 1/2-day cut-off and 480 km to Pelly Crossing (via Pelly Farm) with a 8-day cut-off.
Many have asked about a race all the way to Dawson City (about approx. 690 km) and we hope to have that back in 2028!
As always, we won’t know what the weather will be like. We’ve had good years and bad years when it comes to both extreme cold and it being too “warm”. Even with a return to less elevation, the YAU will remain extremely challenging and dangerous. Athletes need to be prepared for -50° C and colder, soft trails, overflows and of course everything else that comes with a non-stop ultra in this kind of a winter environment.
If you are new to winter ultras, I would like to remind everyone, that we have our Lapland Arctic Ultra in Sweden with distance of 20, 50, 85, 185 and 500 km. Whilst one winter we also had – 35° C in this race, overall temperatures are less extreme there, which means it’s a really good way of getting used to these kind of races.
Should you lack winter (ultra) experience, there will once again be a mandatory training course just before the YAU.