6633 Arctic Ultra | 2011
The Canadian Arctic can produce temperatures of -40 degrees C and more, and when wind chill adds to the cold the temperture can plumit around -70degrees C… For Mike Buss, a former Army Arctic Survival Intructor, the 6633 Arctic Ultra really appealled. A 105mile race on foot, fully self suficient pulling a sledge full of survival gear weighing around 50lbs in potential temperatures of -40degrees C and below is considered to be the toughest, coldest and is the most northern ultra race in the world.
The Race starts at Eagle Plains, a truck stop some 400miles or more from civilisation, heading north 105miles. The race pack was small, only 15 people on the start line brave enough to take on this race with potential hazards of frost bit and other cold weather injuries that could lead to death. Competitors are left totally o their own devices, with the occasional drive past from race officials every 5-10hrs, this truely is a solo race against the elements of the arctic.
Mike started strong leaving the pack behind after the first mile with a gentle jogging action, but soon race favorite passed by leaving Mike in 2nd place over all, at the point where the race enters the Arctic Circle the 6633 line Mike was still in second place and feeling strong. Mike, during his military career had served 3 winter tours of Norway and had been part of a polar expedition in the past, so was very at home with the Arctic weather conditions.
But at the 60mile point, Mike hit disaster, passing over the mountain pass Mikes Sledge was damaged, leaving the sledge to pull in a different direction to which Mike was moving, putting huge stress on Mikes right hip. Mike soldiered on for another 32miles reaching the 92mile point. But with a world record at stake, becoming the first person to complete ultra distances in both the Arctic and Desert back to back, Mike made the decision to pull out after conferring with race medic.
Interview live on CBC Radio prior to the race
It was a serious blow to Mikes morale, with tons of energy left and only 13miles to the finish line and more than 20hrs to complete it in, it was way within Mikes grasp to complete this race after totting up over 40 world endurance records, but the possibility of not being able to compete in the Marathon des Sables only a few days later, Mike had to make the decision to pull out at 92miles.
Mike is planning to go back to the 6633 Arctic Ulltra to compete in the 350mile race in 2013.
Executive First Class with Canadian Air - Sponsoring Mike Buss
Not one to pass on a dare, Mike was dared to strip to board shorts the day before the race in temperatures of -30degrees C
Survival Bivi Training prior to the race
Category: Other Achievements
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