Conditions of this years Yukon Arctic Ultra are very difficult. Temperatures at Carmacks-Checkpoint at night were at -38°C (-36°F) and reached a low of -45°C (-49°F) on the track. It is therefore not surprising that a number of participants had to scratch from the race. From a starting field of 71 athletes in the various disciplines (foot, xc-ski and mountain-bike), only 44 are still active (62%). However, only two of the eight 430mi study participants had to scratch, so 75% of them are still active. Keep your fingers crossed!

The village of Carmacks.

The village of Carmacks.

Community-Center in Carmacks serving as checkpoint.

Community-Center in Carmacks serving as checkpoint.

Ice-formations of the Yukon-river in Carmacks.

Ice-formations of the Yukon-river in Carmacks.

Wherever you stop - don't forget to plug in your car if you want the engine to start the next morning!

Wherever you stop – don’t forget to plug in your car if you want the engine to start the next morning!

Dr. Steinach in the Community-Center with the improvised lab-equipment.

Dr. Steinach in the Community-Center with the lab-equipment.

Although a scenic view, the suns apricity doesn't help very much with the low temperatures. In the front: the actual trail of the Yukon Arctic Ultra.

Although a scenic view, the suns apricity doesn’t help very much with the low temperatures. In the front: the actual trail of the Yukon Arctic Ultra along Yukon-river.