The Lapland Arctic Ultra was started in 2022, to give people a chance to get into the world of winter ultras without immediately jumping to the extreme of entering the Yukon Arctic Ultra. It takes athletes through a region in Swedish Lapland that is often referred to as “Europe’s last wilderness”. So, needless to say that it still can get tough. Temperatures are pretty unpredictable and can range from – 35° Celsius to + 5° C. Originally there was only a 185 km and 500 km distance. Now athletes can also enter a 20 or 50 km race. The 185 and 500 km races are non-stop and possible disciplines are foot, ski and fatbike. Checkpoints along the way provide support in the form of a medical team, food and hot water. Most of the time athletes can sleep in a warm building when they reach a checkpoint and there are also public shelter cabins. However, some times it’s necessary to sleep outside. For that to be possible participants have all gear with them in their pulk sleds.
People who want to give it a try and do not have winter ultra experience can do a special training course before the event.
It’s the perfect race to give winter ultras a try and still offers a good challenge to more experienced athletes.
