Yukon Arctic Ultra 2007
Media release
February 11th
22:30 local time
All athletes have arrived at Takhini Hotsprings and a lot are already on their way again. Last to make it into the checkpoint was Brett Cavanagh. He was tired but seemed fine when I saw him inside getting his meal and something hot to drink.
Greg Lindsey and some other athletes have blisters. Nothing major, though. Everybody is in good spirits. Some used the 4 hour stop to sleep. Others just waited by the fire and used the opportunity to talk to other participants.
Nancy Thomson was experiencing difficulties during the marathon. It got so bad for her that she did have to stop. Many of the marathon athletes took the opportunity and went to test the hot springs. It seems they enjoyed it. “A great way to finish this race”, Jennifer Platz said.
For those who continue to Dog Grave it will be a long night. Every year some participants stuggle to make it to that checkpoint. It is very hilly and goes on and on.
19:00 local time
We have our first finisher! After winning the marathon in 2005 Richard Malz-Heyne was back this year to see if he could win it again. And win it he did. Local runner Keith Thaxter was about 100 m behind him at Takhini Bridge. Both gave their best and pushed hard for the second part of the race. In the end Richard was 5 minutes in front of Keith. “I ran this one for Ralph Martin”, Richard said at the finish line. “Ralph was the one who got my love for the Yukon started years ago. He helped me with advice and told me what gear I need. Last year he passed away because of cancer”, Richard explained.
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Keith tried hard to catch Richard. It was his 4th marathon in 6 weeks and he was keen to win this one. He did not quite manage but still enjoyed the great experience.
In third position for the marathon and 9 minutes behind Keith came Claude Chabot. Claude did the distance on xc-ski and for the first part conditions were good for him. Coming off the Takhini he like all others had to suffer. From there athletes had to go uphill and the trail was a lot softer.
The overall marathon results:
1. Richard Malz-Heyne, Foot (Germany) 4:32
2. Keith Thaxter, Foot (Canada) 4:37
3. Claude Chabot, XC-Ski (Canada) 4:46
4. Kyla Ramirez-Pedersen (Canada) 5 :15
5. Joanne van Bibber (Canada) 5 :18
6. Jennifer Platz (Canada) 5 :35
7. Sue Mackinnon-Dunn (Canada) 6 :49
8. Tunde Fulop (Canada) 7 :45
8. Sylvia Anderson (Canada) 7 :45
10. Laina Rushant (Canada) 8 :03
10. Danielle Daffe (Canada) 8 :03
12. Elizabeth McIlroy 8 :15
DNF Nancy Thomson
Stefano and Enrico came flying into Takhini Hotsprings at 15:34. However, they worked so hard that they also sweated a lot. Since athletes are not allowed to dry gear or stay inside at this checkpoint, they had a bit of a hard time. They did manage, though. A little wood fire helped them dry stuff at least a little bit. They left again at 19:34. Next in the 300 mile race was Frank Janssens at 16:48. He looked strong and confident. Number 3 in the 300 miles and into Takhini was David Berridge at 17:33. “Robert, you have a lot to answer for”, he said. “I thought this road would never end … “ he added.
After our Italian team Shelley Gellatly reached the checkpoint. She was in good spirits but like so many others she would have loved to keep on going. “I hate to get cold”, she said with a smile on her face. I always feel bad making people stay outside at this point in time. However, it is part of our safety plan and many athletes have already learned an important lesson here. Unfortunately for the more experienced athletes they have to stay, too. Shelley slept a bit an is now on her way again to see if she can be faster than she was when she finished the 100 miles in 2003.
Jacob Nielsen from Denmark came in 7 minutes after Shelley. Almost 1 hour later Thomas Wiget from Switzerland came and 7 minutes after him Sarah Hreczkun from Germany arrived. “It’s great she said and joined her friend and fellow athlete Joachim to get their hot meal.
The Canadian Andrew McLean was the first athlete in the 460 miler to get to Takhini. He arrived as early as 15:51 and not one drop of sweat on him. He stayed less than 40 minutes later to make the most of the daylight. “I want to go 36 hours straight and then get some rest”, he said. As far as I could tell he was not joking. Now I am thinking what this means for my timing …. I think he wants to pay me back and make me get up really early tomorrow morning. Otherwise he will get to Braeburn and nobody is there.
Next in was Andy Heading from England at 17:55 and only 1 minute later Tom Wolter-Roessler followed. Andrew already left again at 16:28 and Andy joined him at 18:24.
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