The Yukon Arctic Ultra 2017 has started in Whitehorse – Yukon on February 05th at 10:30 a.m. pacific time!
For the third time (after our first measurements in 2013 and again 2015, where we were joined by Dr. Robert Coker from the “University of Alaska”), we are investigating physiological changes in participants of the Yukon Arctic Ultra 430 mi runner-category. This time, the team from the “Center for Space Medicine Berlin” consists of Dr. Mathias Steinach and Doctoral Candidate Adriane Schalt. All baseline-measurements in Whitehorse went fine. A total of n=10 enthusiastic participants were recruited for this study. The weather at the start this time was at a pleasant -27°C. The study is again joined by Dr. Coker and his team, as he provides equipment to also allow blood-analysis – again a great example for our international scientific collaboration, even under such extreme environmental conditions. Needless to say that we want to express our gratitude to the organizers, volunteers and of course our athletes of the Yukon Arctic Ultra 2017!
The “Science-Squad”: Adriane Schalt (Center for Space Medicine Berlin), Sheri and Robert Coker and Michelle Johannsen (all three University of Alaska Fairbanks) and Mathias Steinach (Center for Space Medicine Berlin).
Again, the “Yukon Arctic Ultra” traditionally follows the “Yukon Quest” dog-sled-race.
Athletes have to prove their capabilities to bivvy quickly…
… and to make a fire during a pre-race outdoor testing-course.
Baseline-measurements in Whitehorse.
Collecting blood from Yukon Arctic Ultra “Veteran” Enrico Ghidoni.
Pre-race-dinner the night before the race.
The participants of this years’ Yukon Arctic Ultra study.
Start of the 2017 Yukon Arctic Ultra in Whitehorse YK, February 5th 2017.
Processing the blood-samples.
Checking the status of the athletes as the race progresses.
Checkpoint in Braeburn (100 mi).
Checkpoint in Carmacks (173 mi).
Always (!) plug in your vehicle if you want it to start the next day. Temperatures in Carmacks have now dropped to a mere -37°C (Wed, Feb 8th).
Study-participant Enrico Ghidoni as he just arrives at the Carmacks-checkpoint (Wed, Feb 8th, 12:15 p.m.).
As always: stunningly gorgeous landscape in the Yukon!
…
…but very cold… (notice the ice resulting from frozen breath in just an one-hour-hike)…
…really very cold…
Greetings from the Yukon!
