Mathieu Blanchard becomes first ever finisher of Montane Yukon Arctic Ultra on foot
Over the 600km race, athletes have been forced to drop out one after another due to cold-related injuries, exhaustion or typical ultra-endurance injuries
Mathieu Blanchard has become the first ever finisher of the 600km Montane Yukon Arctic Ultra race on foot.
In a true show of human spirit, Blanchard set a relentless pace from the start, navigating the world’s coldest and toughest ultra race with experience, skill, and sheer determination.
The MYAU is an Arctic ultra that pushes racers to the limits, physically and mentally, in one of the coldest and most remote environments on the planet, Canada’s Yukon Territory. Participants tackle approximately 600km of snow, ice, temperatures as low as -40°C and relentless wilderness.
Starting on 2nd February in the village of Teslin, the 2025 MYAU race challenges participants to race to Faro, approximately 340km away. In order to create a 600km distance, participants additionally race out-and-back on the North Canol Road, for 150 km each way.
The Yukon has tested many over the past two decades, but never like this. Blanchard is the first to ever complete the 600km on foot, with the route previously being completed only by Harm Feringa on MTB. Blanchard completed the full race in 7 days and 22 hours, crossing the line at 13:28 on 10th February.
Adding to the challenge, the new trail includes significantly more elevation gain. This combination has taken a serious toll on the athletes. Whether seasoned veterans or newcomers, athletes have been forced to drop out one after another.
Ten suffered cold-related injuries, while others faced exhaustion or typical ultra-endurance injuries. Some made the tough but sensible choice to stop rather than risk frostbite.
You can track the race as it continues here: https://trackleaders.com/yukonultra25.
