Leif Abrahamsen becomes first-ever finisher of the Montane Arctic Spine Race

History was made yesterday as Leif Abrahamsen became the first-ever finisher of the Montane Arctic Spine Race, completing the gruelling 293 miles course in an astonishing 200 hours and 14 minutes, eight and half days alone in the Arctic. In the previous edition of the race no one finished, making Leif the first and only course record holder.

Crossing the finish line in Hemavan, Abrahamsen defied expectations, running at a pace that seemed impossible after hauling a 30kg sled for over a week. As he reached out to touch the iconic Kungsleden sign marking the end of the legendary trail, Race Director Phil Hayday-Brown, beaming with pride, waded through the snow to place a well-earned medal around his neck, saying, “You so deserve this.”

Reflecting on his experience, Abrahamsen described the race as “beautiful, fantastic, more like an expedition than a race. You can’t attack it like a race or you’d never get through.” He recounted one particularly unforgettable moment—traversing a high mountain ridge alone under a full moon, with the northern lights illuminating his path.

Remarkably, Abrahamsen has been racing solo since the evening of Day 2, with no other competitors in sight. Throughout the challenge, he remained composed and in control, demonstrating exceptional physical resilience and an extraordinary ability to manage his race logistics.

A few days prior, in the early hours on a frozen lake near Adolfström, Abrahamsen confidently noted to race staff that it was his race to lose. He also requested that Race Director Hayday-Brown honor a promise—a beer waiting at the finish line should he claim victory. True to his word, Abrahamsen received his well-earned celebratory drink in front of the Kungsleden sign, sealing his place in Spine Race history.

Beyond winning the 2025 Arctic Spine Race, Abrahamsen’s accomplishment stands as one of the rare documented completions of the Kungsleden Trail in winter, further solidifying his place among the most elite endurance athletes.

The Montane Spine Race team extends its massive congratulations to Leif Abrahamsen on his historic achievement.