There are currently many interesting discussions on our facebook group, e.g. regarding the right type of shoes, flights, etc. If you have signed up for the race and are interested in input from others, please join us there. If you already did the YAU and want to share your experience with others, feel free to do so.

You will find the link to the YAU facebook group on our website in the top right corner. If you have signed up and can’t access the group please let me know and I will look into it.

Montane products for YAU athletes

This is just a quick reminder to all athletes who signed up for the YAU 2014 that you get a 20% discount on any Montane clothing bought from Racelite.com. If you do not find the product you are looking for contact us and we will organise it for you.

Montane has got a lot of product which is great for the Yukon. That is why we sell it in our store and why we are so happy to have them involved in the race. Their stuff is very high quality, extremely functional and has got a fair price.

For winter 13/14 they have got some exciting new pieces. One of these is the Deep Cold Down Jacket.

Other favorites which have been tried and tested in the Yukon are:

• Flux Jacket (also available as women’s)
• Extreme Smock (also available as women’s)
• Prism Pants
• Fireball Smock

And there are many more. If you need any advise please just let me know.

Crew, checkpoints and trail

A large part of the organisational work has been done already. Our checkpoints are confirmed and most of the crew is on board, too. All people with plenty of YAU experience. So, you are in the best possible hands.

Regarding the trail I will update you a bit closer to the race. As always trail conditions will depend on the weather during the trail breaking phase (especially the first 20 miles) and the weather just before race start. I keep my fingers crossed.

SPOT tracking

Once again we will use SPOT units to track the 300 mile athletes. For this distance the SPOTs are mandatory. We rent the units out and I will soon give some more details on this. 100 milers can also use a SPOT if they want to. Again rental is possible. Just contact me if you want to do that.

You can also use your own SPOT. I will just need the URL of your shared link page and the ESN number in the battery compartment of your unit. Your tracking service needs to be active. There is a small fee to link you to our set-up.

If you have a SPOT we, your family, friends and collegues can follow your progress during the race via a link on our website which leads to Trackleaders.com.

Other advantages are that you can push a “help” button which will make us come out to rescue you. If you are in an absolutely life threatening situation you can also push a “911” button. This will initiate an official search & rescue mission by the local authorties in which we will assist. Beware that such a mission can cause a lot of cost to the athlete if not properly insured.

Here is what our tracking in 2013 looked like: http://trackleaders.com/yukonultra13.

Finally, it’s done. The new YAU website is up and running. I would like to say a big thank you to Gerina AG who have done all the design and programming work.

The content of the website as such has not changed much. Some sections have been updated and a few new features have been added. I think it’s still all pretty straight forward, though. A more modern and emotional look but simple enough to find all information required without having to search for long. If you come across something that does not work or if you think we should improve something somewhere, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Together with the new website you will notice a new logo. There still may be some changes to it but I think this version is already very nice. Thank you Montane for the support to get this done.

Once again the Coast High Country Inn will be supporting the YAU. It means we get space for handing out race bibs, maps, rental gear, etc. and YAU athletes get better room rates. Please check our Travel Section for the rates and the group booking number.

Everything else is also going according to plan and could be summarzied as “no major changes expected”. You will see the same experienced crew. Jessica and Mike will take care of Dog Grave Lake checkpoint. Gary will head our ski-doo crew and Diane will be in charge of volunteer co-ordination and the medical side of things. With my next newsletter I should have some more familiar names for you. Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions before or after signing up.

At the moment a lot of work is going to a re-design of our YAU website. After more than 10 years it is about time … At the same time we willl feature a new logo design, too.

Signing up before end of August

If you know for sure you want to participate in the YAU 2014, I recommend you sign up before end of August after that entry fees will go up again. If you have any doubts or questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Welcome to all athletes on the race roster so far

It looks like we are going to have a strong field of entrants for the 100 miles next year! However, I am sure we will soon also see some more 300 milers. In any case I want to welcome you all and hope you have a good time preparing.

As you may have already seen on our “Welcome” page next year’s start date has been confirmed. The YAU 2014 will take place from January 30th to February 7th. All those of you keen on signing up please email me and I will send you the Application & Waiver.

How and where do you get information about the YAU?

There are many things you can do to be up to date.

• There is our website with our section.
• You can read Jessica Simon‘s crime thriller “From Ice to Ashes” based on the Yukon Arctic Ultra – I think we are the only ultra race in the world which has ever been the setting for such a book. It’s fun to read and you learn a bit about the race. I have 8 signed copies here if you want to order one (CAD 20.00 plus shipment). Otherwise, please try Amazon or similar.
• Another must read book is Mark Hines book on the Yukon Arctic Ultra. If you search Mark’s name on Amazon you will get to the book. This one is not fiction. It’s a detailed story about how Mark has experienced the YAU and very informative.
• You can watch Scott Gilmour’s documentary of the YAU 2011 free of charge and online see right on our website or if you follow this link: http://vimeo.com/30287934
• Join us on facebook to ask questions any time; see link on our website or go to: http://www.facebook.com/groups/40662499911/
• And of course ask any questions any time via phone or email (see Contact details)