Itinerary
17th March | Pre-Race
Mandatory Kit Checks & Race Briefing
18th March | Day 1
Fort McPherson | 0-30 Miles
19th March | Day 2
Peel River | 30-64 Miles
20th March | Day 3
Aklavik | 64-92 Miles
21st March | Day 4
The Longest Stage | 92-154 Miles
22nd March | Day 5
Ice Road Marathon | Inuvik Finish Line 154-180 Miles
The Northern Lights Ultra is a 5-day, multi stage foot or ski race along the frozen Peel River.
Set in Canada’s Northwest Territories, one of the most remote and breath-taking regions on Earth.
By day, you’ll race through vast Arctic wilderness, with temperatures plunging as low as -44°C.
By night, you’ll camp under a sky alive with dancing Northern Lights
Course Details
Stage 1
As you step off dry land onto the frozen Peel River, you'll experience the dramatic shift in temperature - you are now well on your way to journey up the Ice Road towards Check Point 1.You'll settle into Check Point 1 with the first chance of seeing Aurora Borealis from the camp.
Stage 2
As you head further North, you'll capture your first glimpse of the Richardson Mountain range and long stretches of spectacular landscapes.
Stage 3
Aklavik offers history, hospitality and a critical midpoint. Camp near a town once central to Arctic trade and tradition and now part of your own Arctic story.
Stage 4
This is the longest stage and mentally where the race demands the most. You’re moving toward your final night under the stars and if you're lucky, the Northern Lights. One more rest, then it’s into the final day.
Stage 5
One last task to finish. Complete the worlds coldest and flattest marathon stage to bring you to the finish line at Inuvik. One last push across the ice and your Arctic journey is complete.
Day 1 | Fort McPherson | 30 miles (48km)
Day 2 | Peel River | 34 miles (55km)
Day 3 | Aklavik | 28 miles (45km)
Day 4 | The Longest Stage | 62 miles (100km)
Day 5 | Ice Road Marathon | 26 miles (42km)
Inuvik finish line!
Camps & Check Points
Each stage finishes at an organised camping area. We will have separate central, heated tents for communal gathering and warming up. You will pitch your own tent for sleeping in, and hot water will be provided for cooking at all checkpoints.
Cut off times will be briefed each day and may vary slightly due to changing conditions or any route adjustments that need to be made for safety reasons. These will be based on competitors moving at an average of 3mph / 5kmph in order to safely complete the entire route and make it to each check point.
You will have 1 x additional drop bag that will be made available to you at each camp, this should contain any additional clothing you wish to bring with you as well as additional food for the remainder of the event.
NORTHERN LIGHTS MARATHON
Don't fancy taking on the full ultra - why not enter our marathon stage?
This is a great opportunity to experience a marathon along some of the most pristine ice roads.
Also ideal for any friends or family members of those taking part in the full Ultra for an opportunity to cross the finish line together / cheer on and support those taking part in the ultra.
