Who’s up for an ultra marathon? Although it’s a tad longer than 42km – try 610km through the arctic circle in Yukon Canada.
Crazy for many, just another adventure for Aaron Crook. Aaron is an elite athlete, taking on the Arctic Ultra 6633 this February – a gruelling 610km trek across the Arctic Circle in Canada.
Known as the toughest, coldest, and windiest race on Earth, this gruelling challenge spans an incredible 380 miles (approx 610 kms) across the Dempster Highway and frozen ice roads of Canada’s Arctic wilderness. Competitors have just 9 days to complete the course.
Competitors can expect unforgiving temperatures as low as -50 degrees making it an extreme challenge both physically and mentally. The race roams stunning hills as well as stretches of hypnotic ice roads. Competitors must haul their own survival gear including food, water, and sleeping supplies. Reaching the finish line is an incredible achievement – although, many don’t.
Aaron is a former Northern Beaches local and grew up with a passion for volleyball. He moved to Manly, to train with Aussie Volleyball legends and later became a National Beach Volleyball champion.
In 2018, Aaron went on the hunt for the world’s toughest race and stumbled upon the Marathon des Sables (MDS), a punishing 240km footrace across the Sahara Desert spanning six days. Despite having little running experience, Aaron committed to the challenge before starting any physical training.
Since then, Aaron has competed in countless ultra-marathons and trail runs both in Australia and internationally. Now an accomplished ultra-athlete, he’s always chasing the next big challenge.
We chatted to Aaron before our Road to Arctic fun run fundraiser at Harbord Hotel. Have a read below.
A CHAT WITH AARON
What got you into Ultra Marathons?
When I finished playing beach volleyball I was looking for a new challenge. I had never enjoyed running so I thought running extremely long races would test both my body and my mind.
The Arctic Ultra 6633 is a beast - how’s the prep going, and how are you feeling about it?
Preparation has been good. It’s always hard to know whether I’m doing enough but I’m confident that I have the fitness to get me to the finish line.
We’ve got the fun run this Saturday - are you lacing up for it?
Yes absolutely.
When you’re out there running for hours, what’s going through your head?
I quite enjoy the serenity of it. I find it’s a great time to dissect aspects of life that cause anxiety and find solutions. Running long distances is a great facilitator of honest thought.
What’s one thing about ultra marathons that people don’t realise until they try one?
Every ultra is far closer in comparison to an adventure than a running race.
What’s your favourite way to train, and what’s the one session you absolutely dread?
I mostly enjoy high intensity cardio workouts (in a group preferably) as well as reformer pilates for core strength and active recovery. I always dread long runs with speed expectations.
Any mid-race moments where you’ve wanted to give up?
The closest I ever came was during the short Ultra in WA (Transcend). I ran the race with covid and it was horrible. In reality the body always wants to give up but as long as the mind doesn’t you’re good.
Go-to order at the pub?
Always the Chicken Schnitty.
First thing you’ll do after finishing the Arctic Ultra 6633?
Call my wife and kids, Travla Beer then Chicken Schnitty in that order.
What’s next? Are there any more crazy challenges on the horizon?
Ummm I’ve promised my wife that this is the end of my extreme overseas adventures…
For the month of Feb, we’ve partnered with travla beer to bring you a schnitty & travla deal, as well as an Arctic Ultra 6633 cocktail special. We’ll be donating profits from both back to Aaron’s charities, Adelaide Crows & The Sebastian Foundation. Both charities champion mental health and resilience in kids.
