Northern Lights Ultra 2026
- Next eventย :ย 18 Wed โ March 22, 2026Date confirmed
The event in a few words
On the agenda, two choices: either a 5-day adventure or a marathon of madness. For the adventure: 5 stages of running, cold, and admiration ๐คฉ. The Northern Light Ultra sets you a course on an Arctic ice road, under the Northern Lights ๐. You can do it on foot or on skis, your choice! So, prepare your March, with a ticket to the northwest of Canada ๐จ๐ฆ. This skyrunning course starts from Fort McPherson ๐. In total, a 290 km course along the Peel River. A piece of advice, bring your warmest gear ๐งฃ, because the weather promises to be chilly amid the snow. โ๏ธ Even though it may seem impossible, temperatures could drop to -44ยฐCโฆ ๐ฅถ Remember, your gear will accompany you during your race, so prepare your sled to pack them properly ๐ท.
There are quite a few kilometers, but they come with gifts from the sky ๐. So while we recommend you sleep at night, be sure to also observe the magnificent Northern Lights during your journey ๐ป. In a multi-day format, this event offers a packed schedule ๐. On the first day, beware of the temperature, which might surprise you ๐. But if you're properly equipped, you'll be fine! โญ๏ธ Once you've checked your gear, it's race time ๐. Starting from Fort McPherson, it's 48 km heading north โฌ๏ธ. After a first night in your tent, we hope you'll be ready to set off again โก๏ธ. The second stage is 55 km, running alongside the Peel River. On the third day, you'll cover 45 km to reach the historic town of Aklavik ๐. Make sure to rest well for the penultimate challenge, where mental strength will be your best ally ๐. Indeed, 100 km are on the agenda, making this fourth day the longest stage of the program. After that, enjoy the last night under the Canadian stars โจ, where it'll be good to gaze at the sky and see its beautiful offerings ๐.
Missing a stage, aren't we? Don't be too hasty, it's coming ๐ค. For the final challenge: The Northern Lights Marathon, with its 42 km, known to be the coldest โ๏ธ, but also the flattest in the world ๐ณ. A little feature is that you can choose to participate only in this last stage if you wish! ๐ Perfect for those wanting to enjoy the adventure on a smaller scale ๐ค. The last few kilometers end at Univik. It's time to take a deep breath and congratulate everyone for this adventure ๐.
Northern Lights, snow, trails, everything's here! ๐ This space offers truly unforgettable memories amid nature. Even if you're in one of the country's most remote lands ๐ณ, you're also in one of the most beautiful ๐คฉ. The Univik region is a real winter wonderland. Its celestial illuminations provide unique and memorable Arctic landscapes ๐ญ. Aklavik, we've told you, will be your finish line for day 3. There, you'll discover a tiny village, of about 550 inhabitants ๐งโโ๏ธ. Oh yes, neighbors aren't very numerous... Just starting at Fort McPherson, a monument tour will immerse you in the history of the place ๐๏ธ. For a complete immersion, we recommend tasting the "Bannique". Besides, it defines you quite well, as it's also known as the "traveler's bread" ๐งณ. If you try it with a bit of berry jam, you'll thrill your taste buds with flavors! ๐ซ
Don't wait any longer and become part of this adventure that will light up your year! ๐
4 reasons to join this race
A distance for every taste
290โkmTOP
Marathon
- 18 Wed โ March 22, 2026
A few more words
On the agenda, 5 days of racing and wild adventure! ๐จ You will start from Fort McPherson, in the northwest of Canada ๐. The first day, 48 km await you to head towards the Inuvik Region. Throughout the day, you will be along the Peel River ๐๏ธ, which will be frozen by very cold temperaturesโฆ โ๏ธ
After the first camp, the start of day 2 is already here. Heading north ๐งญ, this time you will be near Mount Richardson โฐ๏ธ. After 55 km of walking, the second camp will appear for you to have a good rest โบ๏ธ. Off again, with 48 km on the agenda for day 3. Heading for the town of Aklavik, or rather the hamlet, filled with history and Arctic traditions ๐.
Penultimate day of the week and not the least ๐ค. You will have a path of 100 km to complete this stage. The mind will play a very important role in this part of the experience ๐ง . But at the finish, you will be rewarded with a final night, where the stars will be the VIP guests โจ. To finish well, what better than a marathon. Moreover, the coldest but also the flattest in the world! ๐ It will take you to Inuvik, to cross the finish line. Note that this last part is doable in a single race! Those who want to become a marathoner for the first time, or more, are invited to register for the Northern Lights Marathon! ๐
- Sunday, March 22, 2026
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
You can pick up your race bib during the gear check and pre-race briefing on the evening of March 17, 2026, at the Mackenzie Hotel in Inuvik, with the time to be confirmed.
For the marathon, you will need to pick it up at the same place, but on the morning of March 22, 2026.
The race starts are scheduled as follows:
On 03/18/2026 for the Northern Lights Ultra. The start will be from Fort McPherson, where group transportation is organized to take registered participants to the starting line from Inuvik.
On 03/22/2026 for the Northern Lights Marathon. Participants will be picked up at the Mackenzie Hotel in Inuvik, or nearby, to join the Ultra participants for the final stage.
Here are the registration fees:
For the Northern Lights Ultra ยฃ1,500 (โฌ1,737.95)
For the Northern Lights Marathon ยฃ110 (โฌ127.95)
There are no fixed time barriers, but you are encouraged to maintain an average speed of 3 mph (5 km/h) to complete the course.
You will only be removed from the race if there is a genuine safety issue preventing you from finishing the race within the allotted time.
Yes:
For the Northern Lights Ultra: hot water will be available for cooking in the camps.
For the Northern Lights Marathon: a midway refreshment station will be set up, with water and ready-to-eat snacks.
Yes, given the extreme conditions you'll face, it's important to have suitable equipment. You can find the list on this document.
If you have any further questions, you can contact the organizers via this form.
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