Race course
In 2025 the Montane Yukon Arctic Ultra, for the most part, will follow the Yukon Quest trail.
Due to a change in the trails the Yukon Quest uses, currently we do not know if we can offer a marathon distance. At this point (July 26th), we can confirm that we will have distances of approximately 340 and 640 km. Yes, you heard right, no more “miles”. We will use this change to switch from “miles” to “km” … something we have been asked to do for quite a few years now.
We had a large number of trail options and now made the decision to confirm the race start in Teslin. Unfortunately, we can’t go all the way to Pelly Crossing and Pelly Farm. The usage of land trails between Faro and Pelly Crossing was not permitted for next winter and using the Pelly River over such a long distance is too dangerous without having explored it before. Therefore, our finish line will be in Faro. Teslin to Faro is approx. 340 km. In order to create a 650 km distance we will do an out-and-back of 150 km (one way) on the North Canol Road. We are currently checking if we can add distance around Teslin Lake in order for us to be able to shorten that out-and-back.
So, what else does this trail change mean? First of all, it means we will not return to checkpoints that have become part of our MYAU family. That’s Muktuk, Braeburn Lodge, Carmacks, McCabe Creek, Pelly Crossing and Pelly Farm. On behalf of the entire MYAU team I want to thank the people who have supported us at those checkpoints so many years. We are hopeful that, at some point, we will visit again! Bernard Stehelin who ran Mandanna Lake CP will “move” with us and we also hope to see all of the Dog Grave Lake crew on our new trail.
The good news is that we all will get to know an area of the Yukon that we are not familiar with. The landscapes around the South and North Canol Road are absolutely stunning! There is more snow in this area of the Territory and it is more alpine. It is also more remote! Athletes in the 640 km distance will be at a remote checkpoint 6 times. We have long stretches of trail where the distance to the nearest highway is significant. That will be challenging for the crew and the athletes. A more remote setting increases the element of danger, means longer travel times and possibly longer waiting times – e.g. if stuck in a remote location, waiting for transport.
The Yukon Quest, for their longest distance, will be doing an out-and-back from Teslin to Faro. Since they start on February 1st, it will mean that some of our athletes, sooner or later, will meet dog mushers on the trail. That is super exciting but it also means that our rule of not resting or sleeping on the trail MUST NOT be broken.
Now that we are fully committed to the trail, we can start working on some details, e.g. exact location of our checkpoints, logistics and so on. As confirmations come in, we will post updates in our news and on this page.
I also would like to remind everyone, who is keen on a distance of 100 or 300 miles, we do have our Montane Lapland Arctic Ultra in Sweden with distance that are not far off, i.e. 185 and 500 km.
