NEWS ENGLISH

It’s getting colder and we are all looking forward to our upcoming winter training, adventures and of course the Montane Yukon Arctic Ultra. Time to check our equipment and see what’s new and exciting on the market. If you check out Montane’s website you will see some great new kit! It’s too much to go through here but in their menu you can click on “New Season” in both the Women’s and Men’s section and get the perfect overview. Some of the new Montane clothing that will be perfect for the MYAU we want to feature here:

Montane Men’s Dart XT Thermal Zip Neck Long Sleeved Top

A good layering system starts with the perfect base layer. The Montane Men’s Dart XT Zip Neck Base Layer is the ultimate expedition base layer. Recycled Apex Thermo Eco fabric with a brushed back offers long-term comfort and high wicking ability – moving any moisture that’s generated away from the body. 4-way stretch also allows for unrestricted dynamic movement, without compromising thermal efficiency. Polygiene treatment also provides essential odour control – perfect for multi day use during high output activities.

Features:

• Polygiene permanent anti odour
• Low profile collar with 1/4 length YKK reverse coil semi-auto lock zip
• Low profile seams throughout for improve comfort next to skin

Also available as a women’s version.

Montane Men’s Respond XT Hooded Insulated Jacket

The Respond XT Hooded Insulated Jacket is the new and updated version of Montane’s Flux Jacket. It has been especially engineered for the cold and wet. Lightweight windproof and water-resistant protection is provided by the insulated jackets use of PERTEX® Quantum Eco fabric. Whilst essential warmth and further weather resistance comes from recycled PrimaLoft® Silver insulation. A perfect cut and feature set mean you are able to perform in a range of challenging conditions.

Features:

• Sleeve articulation for added comfort during dynamic movement
• Fully adjustable hood with stiffened peak to protect against cold winds
• Hook and Loop cuff adjustment
• Internal drop pocket to keep essentials close to the body
• 2x Zipped hand pockets
• 2x YKK reverse coil hand pockets for secure storage
• 2x YKK Vislon zipped chest pockets for secure quick access to essentials
• YKK 2 way Vislon centre front zip for harness compatible protection
• Fully adjustable hem to minimise heat loss and keep out wind

Montane Men’s Phase XT Waterproof Jacket

The Men’s Phase XT Waterproof Jacket is a tough, durable shell that will deliver essential protection and enhanced movement when you need it most. Additional features include a helmet compatible hood, making this waterproof jacket well equipped for those seeking extra protection on the move.

Features:

• 70 Denier GORE-TEX Performance Technology, with a hydrostatic head of 28,000mm and RET <9
• Fully adjustable, roll-away climbing helmet compatible hood with three point ‘quick release’ adjustment and stiffened peak
• Internal mesh drop pocket to stash accessories
• Full-length two-way YKK AQUAGUARD® VISLON front zip with internal storm flap
• 2x map sized hand pockets with YKK AQUAGUARD® zips
• Shaped cuffs with adjustable hook and loop tabs
• Two-way YKK AQUAGUARD® pit zips
• Adjustable hem with cinchable drawcord to minimise heat loss
• Articulated arms for high reach movement

Also available as a women’s version.

We could go on and on as Montane has got a wide range of fleeces, many more rain jackets and insulated jackets (down and synthetic), a great variety of pants and perfect gloves and hats. If you go on training runs when the temperatures drop, Montane also offers warm tights, tops and of course their legendary running packs. For more Montane kit we recommend specifically for the MYAU, please check out our gear list that was just updated. And for all Montane kit and some really inspiring content, please go to www.montane.com.

The feature documentary about Irishman Kevin Leahy, who finished both the MYAU and MLAU in one winter, is available on Amazon Prime now. It takes us back to the chaos of Covid-19 and what it meant to many athletes who were training and preparing, not really knowing what the next months would bring. The film also shows Kevin’s struggle with injury in the midst of it all and how he dealt with it, in the end achieving the goal he was going for.

There are many reasons why the Shelley Spirit of the Yukon Award 2023 goes to Jessie Gladish. The most important one is the fact that Jessie has always been keen on helping others. She did not hesitate one second when the decision had to be made about who could take the lead organising future training courses after Shelley passed away. She likes to see others do well, succeed and enjoy the adventure. Not only does Jessie care about others before the race. She always keeps the safety of others in her mind during the race. On more than one occasion Jessie, as an athlete in the MYAU, slowed down and stopped to help fellow participants and/or to make sure they are okay.

Then there is Jessie’s positive attitude. Yes, she has had very emotional moments on the trail, like most athletes. When she did the MYAU 2019 she said herself that she had been very tempted to burn her skis on a couple of occasions. In 2022 I was with her when massive overflows really messed up our race and tough decisions had to be made on the final stretch from Overland Parking to Takhini Bridge. It was not easy. However, it did not matter what nature or the MYAU threw at her Jessie always kept her positive attitude, pushed through difficulties and came out the other end with her big smile. It’s also legendary how she always arrived at the finish line looking like she just started.

Copyright: MarkKellyPhotography.ca

Last but not least, it needs to be said that Jessie is the second participant and first female athlete to have done the MYAU 430 mile race in all three disciplines – foot, ski and fatbike. That’s not why she is getting the Shelley Spirit of the Yukon Award 2023 but it’s obviously an amazing achievement that needs to be mentioned. It’s also amazing that every single time Jessie competed, she finished:

2015 (430 miles/foot)
2016 (300 miles/foot)
2017 (430 miles/foot)
2019 (430 miles/ski)
2022 (300 miles/fatbike)
2023 (430 miles/fatbike)

Jessie will continue organising the MYAU training course and she intends to also be part of the crew during the race. Who knows, maybe we will also see her participate again one of those years. It will certainly be very interesting to see what else she will do when it comes to racing ultras.

So, I hope would will all agree with me that Jessie Gladish really deserves this award. Like Shelley, she shows us all what the Spirit of the Yukon means. We are all very proud of you, Jessie. And I am sure that Shelley, who is watching us from up there somewhere, approves and has got a big smile on her face.

Congratulations!