Kyle McCoy from the USA arrived at the Braeburn finish line at 14:11 on Feb. 9th. Considering the circumstances that is a very, very good time. What is even more impressive is the fact that he looked really good. Tired and sore of course but other than that in excellent shape and without frostbite. He rested a bit and then got a ride back to Whitehorse.

In second place at 18:55 arrived German Michael Brehe who is I believe also the first ever athlete to run and finish with a backpack. He wanted to proof it can be done and he sure did it. However, Michael also did suffer from frostbite and was brought back to Whitehorse to get treatment.

We have some really great team spirit going on amongst the front running mountain bikers. Derek Crowe was clearly in the lead when he got to Braeburn today. But instead of taking off again he waited for Enrico to arrive to make sure he can help fix the problem on his bike. The Italian has got a technical problem with it due to the cold. As a matter of fact he pushed his bike all the way from Dog Grave Lake to Braeburn lodge. His friend Alberto always not too far away.

On the trail we can’t really help with technical problems. At checkpoints that’s a different story. We were really lucky to have Andy Gregory with us, too. Because he also jumped in and helped co-ordinate technical support for Enrico’s bike. And Enrico’s heroe of the day has to be Jonah Clark from Icycle. Jonah came all the way from his store in Whitehorse to repair the bike. Thank you Jonah!

I am finally in Braeburn and now have the time to write a quick update. First of all I want to let everybody know that Michal Kielbasinski, 430 mile athlete from Poland, is in safety. I also would like to ask for your understanding that we will not use Facebook or the news updates to inform about rescue missions as they are happening. When we have these missions we are focused to make things happen as quickly as possible. And we do not want everybody back home to worry. The entire crew is working very hard and we do not only rely on the SPOT units alone. Our guides on ski-doo go out on the trail and check on athletes at least once a day. Depending on where athletes are at this early stage of the race they may actually be checked upon two, three or four times. Also, we communicate with our remote checkpoints at least twice a day. They may not have internet but we tell them when to expect athletes. So, when they don’t show up they can check.

A big thank you to Ross, Travis and Jo for the successful evacuation of Michal today. Also of course thank you to the helicopter team and EMS. I talked to Michal and of course he is sad and the frostbite is very painful but he also thanks everyone involved. The entire MYAU team wishes him a good recovery!

Jo Davies who is in charge of race headquarter updated the results table not long ago and we should have more updates soon. You will see a fairly large number of athletes have scratched. At temperatures down to – 45% Celsius that is to be expected. It does hurt. Believe me, the entire support crew is feeling with every single athlete and we really want them all to finish. But in this cold it is very difficult.

I will quickly talk about the athletes who have scratched so far and why. Pretty soon after the start, marathon mountain bikers Louise Pratt and Andrew Aherne had to stop because it was too cold for them. They had originally planned on running the marathon but when Andrew injured himself just before the race they decided to switch to biking instead. The local experts on fat bikes from Icycle Sport did a great job providing them with the right rental bikes. But of course their entire clothing system was more set up for running and so they made the right decision when they could not maintain a normal body temperature.

We have had Ignatios (430) from Switzerland and Renzo Moltrasio (300) from Italy pull out at Takhini Bridge. Ignatios caught a cold on his way to the Yukon and Renzo had what seemed like food poisoning. They are both in Whitehorse and recovering. I want to thank Jessie Thomson-Gladish (430) who helped Renzo when he was feeling really bad. She did not hesitate one second and was happy to support him even though it meant risking to get cold herself and losing time.

At Rivendell Farm local athlete Debra Jonasson (100) scratched. After volunteering at Dog Grave Lake two years in a row she had decided it was time to give it a try herself. The cold in combination with a heavy sled gave her a hard time and she decided to call it a day. After a good night’s sleep Debra is now helping the crew at Braeburn Lodge.

Borja Fernandez-Bilbao (300) from Spain already was out of luck in our training course. He had trouble with is lighter and it took him a long time to get his stove and wood fire going. At the same time his thin gloves had a small hole on one finger. Which was enough to get a frostbitten fingertip. Upon his request we agreed to let him do the marathon which he did very well. But it would have been unsafe for him to continue and he was fine with that. I have got a feeling we will see him back one year.

Andrew Gregory (430) from England arrived at Rivendell Farm with signs of hypothermia. He could not get his core body temperature up. The problem may have originated from cold feet. Andy did try everything to get back to normal but after several hours of just not getting warm enough he made the sensible decision to stop. Today he is with the crew and I am really happy about it because he was able to help Enrico Ghidoni (430). More on that story later.

With Anton Hierschläger (430) from Austria it was his hands. I felt really bad because it was Anton’s third try and every time he was faced with a new problem.

Marie-Louise Pharaony (430) from Switzerland also had trouble keeping warm enough and she was not going to take any risks.

There are more people who have scratched at Dog Grave Lake and I will have an update on that later tonight.

Virginia Sarrazin wins MYAU marathon

After all these news about athletes having to scratch, it’s about time I talk about yesterday’s marathon. Virina Sarrazin from Whitehorse came in first after an amazing 3 h 45 min. That’s a very good time in a road marathon. Sarah ran on a snow machine track and at about – 30 degrees Celsius. Second came Kristin Daniel after 4 h and 11 min. Kristin also is from Whitehorse. The third rank goes to Michael Buurman who arrived with a time of 4 h 17 min. All Whitehorse marathon running men should feel challenged ☺. For the full results please check our results table.

It takes a very long time to get here but for those who bother to make the journey there is a treat in store. Whitehorse city is nestled in the valley of the Yukon River, over two thousand miles north of Vancouver. It really is the last frontier – or was about one hundred years ago and still has that feeling. It is surrounded by forested hills and at this time of year is a stunning white snowy landscape. The first time I came here, 3 years ago, I was spellbound by the beauty of the landscape and fell in love.

So a little bit about me … my name is Jo Davies and my job on the support crew this year is to be “Race HQ”, I will be monitoring the phone and keeping the website updated about all the competitors and writing little blogs for everyone following. I shall be answering calls from checkpoints and coordinating stuff that goes on. I first got involved in the Montane Yukon Arctic Ultra back in 2012 when I came out here as a volunteer on the support crew with the ulterior motive of recceing the race for competing in it in 2013. When I returned in 2013 with my race partner Stewart, we entered the one hundred mile ski race. Sadly I didn’t complete due to an infection in an old wound. This year I am back as a volunteer and loving it. And as for competing again …. one of my mottoes is “Never say never.”

The support team has been busy, headed up by Diane Patrick, running around getting the last minute preparations and shopping done, teaching the training course to the competitors and generally stopping Robert from going crazy.

We are a mixed bunch with experience in both competing in the race and organizing it so we all know enough to answer all the questions and generally point you (the athletes) in the right direction. And for those back home who aren’t fortunate enough to have come to this amazing part of the world but who are supporting these crazy individuals from all around Europe and the world – Mexico and Japan included – drop in on this website for more updates on the race and the people taking part or the Facebook page: Yukon Arctic Ultra. All for now, more from Race HQ soon.

Just a quick reminder that a little while ago we changed the timing for the training course a bit. The indoor part takes place from 12:30 to 15:00. And we meet in the lobby of the Gold Rush Inn (NOT the Coast High Country Inn). The outdoor part will be from 17:00 to 21:00 and we will meet in front of the Coast High Country Inn for that. Please all be in time as in this cold it’s not very pleasant to stand outside waiting.

Also, the weather is likely going to be very cold. So, please do take along all your warm clothing! Because of the cold we will ask all participants to spend a little bit more time in their sleeping bag. When it is – 20 degrees, this is of not much use because all bags will definitely be fine then. However, when it is – 30 it is really testing your gear.

Last but not least, please only show up for the training course if you really have signed up for it. If you have not signed up but spontaneously decided you want to be there, contact me via email tomorrow morning as I will have to inform the hotel.

Frostbite

It does look like it is going to warm up a little for the race start. But just in case and because of the windy conditions, I want to remind all athletes that if you get frostbite, we will have to end your race. This also goes for frostbite in your face or on your ears. Not just hands and feet. So, please be careful and cover your skin if it’s cold and windy.

Quite a few athletes have already arrived. And almost all of their luggage, too. At least last night when i was at the airport to welcome eveyone. More athletes are on their way and I keep my fingers crossed, all goes well for them, too.

We were complaining about the warm temperatures not too long ago. Well, now it’s definitely changed. – 30 degrees Celsius during daytime in Whitehorse is quite interesting. And it looks like it is going to stay like that until Sunday and then possibly warm up a little bit.

The first day and night of the race will be a very big challenge, though. As a matter of fact, already our training course which could see temperatures down to – 40 will be a very intense test. Anybody with the wrong equipment will immediately feel it. But that’s what the training course is for. To learn the right lesson when there is still time to make some changes.

For the race a daytime low of – 30 puts us into what we call an “alert” status. If the trail crew agrees it will not mean that we change the race course. But we may do certain things that we normally would not do. Mind you, it’s still a bit early but just so you get an idea what this could mean, I will give you a quick idea:

• Frostbite checks for all athletes at Takhini Bridge. And please remember that frostbite means, the respective athlete has to stop racing! No discussions.
• Frostbite checks at Rivendell Farm. Anybody arriving and looking very sweaty, complaining about the cold, giving us the feeling they are not in full control, will have to stop for some hours and show us they can handle the situation (whilst staying outside at all times).
• Kit checks – and we would mainly focus on things like: means to cut wood and start a wood fire, stove, down jacket, back-up clothing.
• Possibly we ask people to travel in teams.

Also, you all need to be aware that if you push the help button that night and it is – 40 degrees or colder, we will only come looking the next morning. The problem is machinery. So, we will assume you want to stop racing but you have the means to get through the night by building a wood fire, getting something hot to drink and staying in your sleeping bag.

Last but not least, and I have said this before, when we check the sleeping systems before the race and the bags show weak loft, we will NOT accept it. I know it is a big pain because if you need to buy a new bag it is an enormous expenditure. But letting you leave with a bag that will have you freezing at – 20 when we already know it is going to be – 40 would simply be irresponsible.

Starting at Shipyard’s Park

By now I can also confirm that our race will start at Shipyard’s Park. Everything looks good for the timing, too. So, it will be 10:30 AM on February 8th, we plan to make the countdown.

We will likely offer to bring the sleds over to the start area again. I will confirm this once I know for sure and let you know at the trail briefing.

At Shipyard’s Park there is a building open for us in case standing around waiting outside means you are getting cold.

The Institute of Arctic Biology at the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) plan to conduct measurements for the first time – during the Montane Yukon Arctic Ultra 2015. Robert H. Coker, PhD is an Associate Professor at UAF and has over 15 years of experience studying the regulation of metabolism during exercise under a variety of different physiological scenarios. Dr. Coker will be working with Dr. Mathias Steinbach from the Center of Space Medicine Berlin who has now continued his collaboration with the organizers of the Montane Yukon Arctic Ultra.

Whilst Dr. Mathias Steinbach is focusing on the 430 miles and the runners. Dr. Coker’s research will also include the 100 mile participants. Athletes who decide to partake in this study will receive detailed information of the investigated parameters, which will provide valuable information about their own health and performance level, which will be helpful in their further training and planning of their ongoing extreme marathons and expeditions. The measurements will especially provide feedback regarding:

• Energy- and nutritional needs
• Water balance
• Changes in body composition
• Sleep hygiene
• Clothing demands

Who Dr. Coker is looking for:

The participants in the study should be runners/cyclists/skiers aiming to complete the full distances of 100 or 430 miles and preferably be experienced. There are no age limitations, and he encourages women and men to participate in his study.

Parameters of Interest

During the race, Dr. Coker would like to evaluate the following variables

• Energy expenditure and activity
• Sleep parameters

In addition, he will measure changes prior to and immediately following the race

• Body composition (fat mass, fat free mass, and body water)
• Blood parameters (stress and metabolic hormones)

These data will provide us the UAF with a greater understanding of the interaction between environmental and physiological stresses on the human body in a dynamic environment.

If you would like to get more detailed information and/or participate in the study please email Dr. Coker at rcoker@alaska.edu as soon as possible.

As some of you may have read on the Yukon Quest website, they have not yet made a final call as to whether the dog teams will start in Whitehorse or not. However, with the colder temperatures we are seeing now it is becoming more and more likely that both our races can start at Shipyard’s Park in Whitehorse. Gary also went with his ski-doo from Whitehorse to the overland trail last weekend and made there safely. He did encounter areas with overflow and with the warm temperatures we have had, overflow may be seen more frequently than normal. Therefore, I recommend all athletes to have a clear strategy as to what you do if you end up getting wet. Always have a dry set of clothing, fire starters in several places and be cautious. If we get to an overflow first and there is a way around it, we will re-mark. The problem is that overflow is often unpredictable. It may be a problem for some athletes and perfectly fine some hours later – if it froze again.

I have no detailed updates on the situation on the rivers, yet. I hope with the fresh snow it will all become a bit smoother.

Another thing to keep in mind that there is always a chance for fresh snow. It will make moving more difficult and it may also make it challenging to find the trail until we get there again. If you are not sure where to go, I recommend waiting for other athletes or wait for trail crew. Do not push the help button on your SPOT! As it will mean to us you are lost of injured and your race is over. Obviously, not being able to move or being uncertain about the trail is very hard on one’s nerves. But please be patient and keep in mind that nobody can do anything about the weather. If it does snow we will try hard to travel all the trails you are on asap.

If you do have snow shoes, take them along. Should the weather forecast not predict any snow you can still leave them at your hotel or deposit them in a drop bag further north.

Improving sleeping system

The weather change right now also is a reminder that we do get very cold temperatures. Therefore, make sure your sleeping system is up for the job. Keep in mind that the Extreme Temperature Rating on your sleeping bag is not really what matters for a good night’s sleep. Only at temperatures around the comfort temperature range will you not be cold. Therefore, you should have a good sleeping mat, use a good liner and bivvy bag. Try to only sleep in places that protect you from the elements and do not rest in cold spots (rivers, lakes).

Trackleaders.com has confirmed all our rental units. Those of you who bring their own SPOTs, please email me (info@thegreatoutdoors.de) following information:

• ESN (serial #) which you will find in the battery compartment and
• the URL of your shared link page (you need of course have your tracking service activated)

With this information Trackleaders.com can add you to the system that is set up for the MYAU and we and everybody else following the race will have you on the “radar”.

All athletes who rent a SPOT as always need to bring their own batteries to run the devices. You will need 4x AAA Energizer Lithium Ultimate (model # L-92). The SPOT will NOT work with regular alkaline batteries! Trackleaders.com does recommend a back-up set of batteries. I know these are expensive batteries but they last significantly longer than other batteries (especially in the cold) and also work with many other products like headlamps, etc.

Trackleaders.com have also offered to upload a photo that will show when people click on your tracking symbol. If you want that, please email a 150 x 150 pixel close-up portrait photo of yourself to Matthew at heymatthewlee@gmail.com. Please send him your full name, distance and race bib number (which is the number you have on the race roster).

Paperwork

I am still missing a lot of originals from paperwork. For those of you from outside of the EU that’s find. Please bring it to the Yukon with you. Athletes from within the EU who have missed the message and still need to hand in originals, please bring these now to the Yukon with you, too. Otherwise, your papers will end up in Germany while I am already in the Yukon.

VERY IMPORTANT: I need the MYAU Medical Certificate signed from a doctor from all ultra distance athletes. General medical certificates do not count. A start without a signed MYAU medical certificate is NOT possible.

Schedule

Just in case you have not seen the schedule posted on arcticultra.de already, I will also show it here:

February 5th, 2015

17:00 – 18:00 Hand-Out of the rental gear and fuel, Coast High Country Inn. If you can’t be there during that time please leave a message for me at the front desk of the hotel or contact me beforehand and we will arrange for a different time.

February 6th, 2015

12:30 – 15:00 First part of the YAU training course (indoor) – for signed up athletes only, Gold Rush Inn

17:00 – 21:00 Second part of the YAU training course, trails near Whitehorse, meeting point in front of the Coast High Country Inn; again, only for athletes who signed up for the training course

February 7th, 2015

08:00 – 09:00 De-brief of the training course, Coast High Country Inn

09:00 – 10:30 Official trail briefing and hand-out of SPOT units and fuel for ALL athletes, Coast High Country Inn

11:30 – 14:00 Gear check for all participants who did not participate in the training course, hand-in of any missing paper work, hand-out of maps, race bibs, Coast High Country Inn

15:00 – 16:00 Briefing for volunteers, Coast High Country inn from

17:00 Pre-race dinner for all athletes and volunteers, Coast High Country Inn

February 8th, 2015

10:30 Start of the Yukon Arctic Ultra 2015, Shipyard’s Park, Whitehorse

Please note that the location for the indoor part of our training course has changed to the Gold Rush Inn. The timing for the training course has been updated, too.

Also, please note that I have included the hand out of Primus fuel on several occasions.

Trail conditions

It is still a bit early to say anything reliable about trail conditions. But it does look like there is a good chance trail conditions will be challenging. The Canadian Rangers who do all the hard work on the Quest trail were out this last weekend. I hope to get some feedback soon. The main problem seem to be the rivers. A lot of jumbled ice and lack of snow make up for a bad mixture. However, we have had perfect trail conditions before and then one week before the race it all went „bad“. It can still snow and colder temperatures can still have an impact.

I will keep you all up to date as I get the news.

I wish all of you a Happy New Year and many great adventures in 2015!

Montane Extreme Smock

The Montane Extreme Smock is one of the first pieces of clothing that our title sponsor put into the market more than 20 years ago. Since then it has proven in countless expeditions that it is perfect kit for extreme challenges in the cold. Over the years it of course has been improved and gotten even better. That’s why it is the first item that is sold with our brand new logo.

Athletes can purchase the MYAU Extreme Smock with a 20% discount. The cost for the logo application is EUR 8.95. Anybody interested in purchasing one, please send me an email to info@thegreatoutdoors.de.

Logo Patches

Thanks to Peter Mild, owner of Peter Mild Design and MYAU 300 mile athlete, we now also have great looking logo patches. At the moment I have rectangular ones with different backgrounds.

Within a week or two I should also get a round one. Prices are EUR 5.95/patch.

I also still have some of the “Wolf Logo Patches” left. These now sell for EUR 2.95.

As with the smock, anybody interested please send me an email to info@thegreatoutdoors.de.

On the menu

The meals at our checkpoints come from different places. In the cases of McCabe Creek and Pelly Farm we get the meals directly from our hosts. The lasagne and the hospitality at Pelly Farm are legendary. One more reason to make it there! And Kathy Kruse at McCabe Creek makes excellent meals, too.

For most of our other checkpoints the meals come from the Deli in Whitehorse. The meals they will prepare for us are:

Rivendell Farm – Soup and Sandwiches, Dessert – made fresh that morning (variety of sandwiches)

Dog Grave Lake – Potato/Ham/Broccoli Soup with european wieners on side, buns, dessert

Carmacks – Beef Stroganoff with broad noodles, Bread, Dessert

Pelly #1 – Chicken Casserole with Rice and Veggies, Dessert

Pelly #2 – Bison Stew, Bun, Dessert Scroggie Chicken Stew, Bun, Dessert

Dawson Baked Salmon Loin, Rice, Veg, Dessert

The size of the portions from the Deli are 16 oz (approx. 470 ml) each. So, if you only have a small cup or plate, please feel free to come for a second serving.

In Braeburn you will eat from the menu. And it’s okay if you are hungry. They serve one of the world’s largest burgers. If you still are hungry after your checkpoint meal or you want to eat again after your rest, you can. Other meals are just not included in the entry fee. So, please take a long a bit of money. You may also want to check out their cinnamon buns. They definitely ARE the world’s largest.

The meals for Ken Lake I need to confirm, yet.

Our assistance point at Takhini Bridge, about half way to the marathon finish is only there for the marathon runners. No meals are served there but marathoners can get hot water and tea, to drink right there and to fill up water bladders or flasks.

Indian River is an assistance point between Scroggie and Dawson. Again, there are no meals but a safe place in case of emergencies and a place where you get something hot to drink.

Drop bags

Drop bags need to be handed in after the pre-race dinner. You do have until about 10 PM to give us your bags. So, you don’t have to bring them right to the dinner. You can finish packing after dinner and bring the bags then.

Please note that the drop bags need to be packed really well. Do NOT use plastic or garbage bags. Also, the bags need to be clearly marked with your name, bib number and the checkpoint. Do not just put tape on the bag. This may work fine in a warm hotel room. As soon as the bag gets into a cold trailer, tape comes off. So, please keep in mind that the marking needs to withstand the cold and handling of the bags.

The bags will be transported in an enclosed trailer. So, they will be in the cold for an extended period of time and they will be piled on top of one another. Therefore, please do not pack anything that can break easily or will be damaged by cold temperatures.

Drop bags once used by athletes will not be transported north. When you are done with a bag it will be stored at that checkpoint and transported back on one of our trips to Whitehorse. If you need to stop your race at an earlier checkpoint we will try to get your bags which are further north to Whitehorse as soon as possible. All drop bags will be brought to the storage room of the Coast High Country Inn.

Internet and electricity

I often get asked if checkpoints have internet access and electricity. The answer is: „It depends“. Internet you really only get in Carmacks. And there is only one computer. So, if many athletes want to use it at the same time, it may be a bit difficult.

Electricity is available in more places, i.e. Braeburn, Carmacks, McCabe and Pelly Crossing. Especially at Braeburn availability may be tight when there are many athletes at once.

In a few places there are pay phones. In Whitehorse you can get calling cards and then use these phones for very little cost per minute to call back home. Places with pay phones are Braeburn, Carmacks and Pelly Crossing. Of course we will also make frequent news updates and there is the SPOT tracking. So, friends and family have an idea where you are and how you are doing.

GPS-track

I also often get asked if we provide a full GPS-track of the trail. The answer is „no“. Mainly this is due to the fact that the trail can change from one year to the next. And it even may change on short notice – due to overflow or other reasons. Athletes who are tired may make the mistake to follow their GPS rather than focussing on the trail ahead and the trail markers. If they do that, they can get into some very dangerous situations. It is still good to have a GPS, though. It can tell you at what speed you are traveling at. Which in turn will allow you to take a better guess as to when you reach a checkpoint, when to take a break, etc. Also, if you really do get lost, you can back-track with the GPS or find a way to a checkpoint (as we do have the co-ordinates for checkpoints). But please keep in mind that walking off a trail and cross-country to a checkpoint, certainly when it is still far away, should be your last resort. Don’t forget, if you do have a SPOT and even after a good rest you are sure you won’t find back to the trail, push the help button.

We do give out maps of the trail but like the GPS these are for rough orientation only. Since the trail on the maps is based on a GPS-track that is not updated every year, the trail can be different. So, like I say every year: follow the trail markers and use common sense.

Buying gear in Whitehorse

With Coast Mountain Sports there is a great outdoor and sports store in down town Whitehorse. Many athletes go there every year for some last minute shopping. If you need something specific like Neo overboots, snow shoes, larger quantities of expedition food, etc. it makes sense to contact Coast Mountain Sports as soon as possible. That way they have a chance to order missing gear in time for the race and reserve it for you. Your contact there is Corina Zumer (corina@cmsyukon.ca).