Some races are measured in kilometres. Others are measured in what it takes to keep going. Alexander Davydov’s journey this year was firmly the latter.
After completing the 185km race in Sweden in 2023, Alex set his sights on the Yukon Arctic Ultra. He studied it, prepared for it, even came to observe in 2025 as crew and media. This race mattered to him long before the start line ever appeared.
From the very beginning, the course tested him. At Brooks Brook he was unwell, struggling with stomach issues that made keeping food and water down difficult. Later came a painful ear, then an injured knee toward the end of the trail. Each setback arrived with its own question attached. Each time, Alex answered by managing himself, adapting, and moving forward anyway.
If there is an image of a lone soldier pushing on despite repeated hits, this was it.
When Alex finally reached the finish, all of that effort, frustration, fear, and determination surfaced at once. Raw, emotional, unfiltered.
The kind of moment that only comes when something has been held onto for a very long time. Supported by fellow 350km athletes and crew cheering him home, the weight of it all was finally allowed to fall away.
In the days to come, that release will no doubt give way to a calm catharsis. For now, it stands as a powerful reminder of what it means to commit to something fully, and to see it through.
Well done Alex. And yes, we did hear you saying you’ll be back for the 600km. We look forward to seeing you again, whether here or in Sweden, before long.
