The Beyond The Ultimate Ice Ultra 2024 race - Rosie Burnham
The Beyond The Ultimate Ice Ultra 2024 race is an extraordinary event that challenges participants to push their limits in one of the most extreme environments on Earth. This multi-day race takes place in the Arctic, where competitors must navigate through icy terrain, facing harsh weather conditions and testing their endurance to the fullest. The race offers a unique opportunity for adventurers to experience a once-in-a-lifetime journey, pushing themselves beyond what they thought was possible and forging unforgettable memories along the way. Participants not only compete against each other but also form a strong bond as they conquer the challenges of the icy wilderness together. It's a true test of physical and mental strength, resilience, and the sheer determination to reach the ultimate goal.
Between 20th - 25th February 2024, I participated in the Ice Ultra, a 230km self-sufficient race across the arctic circle. Day time temperatures can drop as low as -40c degrees. I ran across snowfields, Arctic tundra and frozen lakes.
Day 0 – Base Camp
Race briefing, kit check (carrying 4kg of food, all the mandatory kit, snowshoes, all in a 30litre backpack. We have a night bag, holding a sleeping bag, insulated mat and a spare pair of clothes. At 8pm, we walked down to our accommodation tepees, lying on reindeer skin on top of the snow, that night I slept only one hour. The wind was up all night, trying to sleep in -20c.
Day 1 – 50km (12hrs 20mins)
Up at 5:30am, heating water for breakfast, and completing the final checks, then the race started. Filled with a mixture of excitement, fear of walking into the unknown. We started along the Kungsleden Trail, along the ice road for the first 10km and then, across a frozen lake up onto the edge of the mountains. The final 10km walking into complete darkness, with just a headtorch to light the way. Once at the top, walking down a steep descent to the remote Atske Cabins. My snowshoes had frozen to my running shoes, the medicals poured hot water to remove them. Once in the cabin, drying one set of clothes by the log fire, heating up some water to get my food for that evening ready. There is no electricity or running water, so headtorches and buckets of water was our source.
Day 2 - 42km (14hrs 25mins)
Woke up feeling very nauseous, anti-sickness tablet and 1.2 litres of electrolyte before I started the race. Trying to eat and stay hydrated whilst feeling sick is not easy. Another beautiful day but the weather conditions can change quickly on Mount Kabla, climbing 700m over 6.5km in variable snow conditions. The temperatures dropped as low as -30c. Then, a 1000m descent through the forest to Arrenjarka, the night’s camp. A warm meal before walking alone through forest, the moon on my right shoulder. Luckily, I had a spare headtorch as my batteries ran out due to cold temperatures. Once in camp, the same routine of drying your kit, hydrating and getting nutrition before trying to get some sleep.
Day 3 - (13 hrs 16 mins)
I found the Lakes stage the hardest, first there was a climb up, through icicle-draped trees and deep powder out onto The Lakes. The poor visibility and sound of the ice, with mountain ridges on either side. Mentally, it was when I felt the vulnerable and alone. The Lakes felt never ending and you could see the checkpoints in the distance, but they never seemed to get any closer. Walking in the darkness, I just screamed at the world, letting go of all of sadness I felt since my brother died. No one to respond or judge. Getting into camp Laxholmen Island that night, emotional I was broken, but still determined to complete the race, whatever it took. My feet sore, covered in pain rash (I was allergic to the K-tape), so I just had to walk with my blisters, uncovered. Sleep was poor that evening.
Day 4 - 65Km (17hrs 50 mins)
The penultimate stage, Sámi, was the longest a brutal distance of 65km, with a strict cut-off at checkpoint 5. During the first three checkpoints, it was tough, exhaustion, sickness. I asked the Race Director ‘do I have time to get the cut-off?’ and was told it is looking tight.I found some inner strength and managed to make up 2 hours ahead of the cut-off and overtook 12 runners. I had meal at checkpoint 5, changed my socks and knew I had another 15km to go. I walked with another runner, through the Baltic conditions, deep snow, blizzard conditions in complete darkness. Once at camp, I just slept on the floor so tired from the day.
Day 5 - 15 Km (3hrs 47mins)
Complete exhaustion and relief that I have nearly complete the ice ultra. This race has a high DNF result, so to be a one-of a small number of the participates to complete this event ever year. Only one checkpoint today, the 500m climb felt brutal, tired legs and complete sleep deprived. It was not about time, it was just completing it and enjoying the final stage. Beautiful weather and clear skies. As I walked down the red carpet towards the finishing line, I was in totally overwhelmed, relieved and happy.
The event was beautiful but brutal. It was important for me to leave the past 15 months behind me and move forward from my brother’s death. I walked in memory of my brother. Oli, sadly passed away on the 05th December 2022, from sudden arrhythmic death syndrome (SADS) at the age 31. I am raising money for Cardiac Risk in the Young. There is no right or wrong way to grieve: for me I felt walking 230km would help and it did. I wanted to walk with Oli and then let him go, that is what I achieved. I still miss him every single day and that will never change.
I will leave you with this, until the next adventure. This was one of my brother’s favourite quotes:
"Better by far to be good and courageous and bold and to make difference. Not change the world exactly, but the bit around you. Cherish your friends, stay true to your principles, live passionately and fully and well. Experience new things. Love and be loved, if you even get the chance."
By David Nicolls, One Day