Rat Race | Arctic Circle

Fitness level

You can do this. This adventure is for anyone with a moderate level of fitness.

Pace

This challenge has been designed so that you may travel at your own pace on the foot and bike stages. There will also be some cut-offs, but these will be generous and the team will always look to help you to achieve your goals in finishing this challenge, vs having to pull out. You are given a very early start to allow the very best possible window for route completion. But, if you need to stop for whatever reason, the team is there for you and you'll be picked up on snowmobiles. The absolute key is that you enjoy this amazing journey through the Arctic North; at your own pace and within your own limits.

Navigation

The entire route is guided and waymarked, there is no need for you to navigate.

Ski stage

A very basic intro to cross-country skiing is recommended. Novice skiers are very much encouraged on this event; the route is well-equipped for both beginners and experienced skiers. You will get the opportunity for a 90-minute guided ski lesson on arrival and you will also be provided with all equipment necessary for the ski stage.

Terrain

There are some hills but it's not mountainous. There is a lot of forest, a lot of snow and an abundance of frozen lakes.

Accommodation

The accommodation is split between comfortable accommodation for 3 nights at Kilpisjarvi and a wilderness camp at Lake Saanajarvi. The wilderness is in twin shared tunnel tents. 

Accommodation is offered on a double or twin room basis. If you are taking part on your own, you will be paired with another participant of the same sex in a twin room. You will have the opportunity to request to share a room with a fellow racer when filling out your participation form which you will receive 3 months ahead of the event.

All accommodation is of a good standard. The accommodation has been tried and tested by on recce trips.

Meals

All meals are included as standard cooked up by the expert catering crew.

Kit list

A comprehensive kit list with mandatory and recommended kit is available.

Season

• Jan
• Feb
• Mar
• Apr
• May
• Jun
• Jul
• Aug
• Sep
• Oct
• Nov
• Dec

Meeting point

Tromsø
Tromsø
Norway

Itinerary

• Day 1 | Travel

  You will arrive into Tromso the night before to stay in this charming Arctic city at accommodation arranged by yourself. The meeting point is in the city at 9am.  After the adventure, the group will return to this incredible Norwegian city high up above the Arctic Circle but for now, it's over to Kilpisjarvi across the border in Finland, where there will be a kit check, guided ski lesson and fat bike practice. Meet your guides for a briefing for the days ahead. It is a 3-hour drive, including an opportunity to stop to buy some food en route.

• Day 2 | Fat biking

  Leaving the base in Kilpisjarvi after a big breakfast you will jump on your fat bikes and head to the frozen lake. You will ride over a lot of snow, both firm and softer stuff, and cover some 30km by bike and whilst this might not sound far, in deep snow and in temperatures down to –20, it will be enough! The time of year affords much daylight and, hopefully, brilliant views. You will be supported today by the snowmobile teams on the trail who will refresh us with drinks and snacks. 

• Day 3 | Cross country skiing

  Another short drive out of the village and onto back country skis for 21km to Lake Saanajärvi and the overnight wilderness camp. There are toilets here and classic polar expedition tunnel tents will be provided. Get a campfire going, relax, tell stories and hopefully enjoy an unpolluted view of the northern lights.

• Day 4 | Snowshoeing

  Set off today in snowshoes for the summit of the mighty Saana, the mountain which dominates the skyline above the village of Kilpisjarvi. It’s 21km on the cards today to the three nations cairn for the glorious finish line, before an exhilarating snowmobile transfer back to Kilpisjarvi to celebrate a job well done.

• Day 5 | Travel

  After a final breakfast in the restaurant, hit the road and head back to Tromso in the morning, aiming to arrive back around 12 pm, where the itinerary will end and you are free to fly out or stay around a while in this beautiful city.

Included

• Accommodation

  4 nights B&B and camping.

• Meals

  All meals included.

• Transfers

  Includes transfers to and from Tromso in Norway at the beginning and end.

• Guides and support

  Professional support vehicles, safety staff, medical and welfare.

• Safety

  Professional local and UK safety staff, medics, drivers, route safety staff and experts on hand throughout. Audited and accredited to BS8848 expedition safety standard.

• Equipment

  All winter equipment provided, skis, snowshoes and fat bikes.

• Transfer policy

  Flexible event transfer policy up to 12 weeks before your departure.

• Extras

  High quality medal, rat rag and premium t-shirt for all participants.

Trip leader

Rob is your event leader. He's a highly experienced Operations Director with a wealth of leadership and safety knowledge.

Environmental pledge

This adventure has made a firm commitment to really elevate its approach to a sustainable and environmentally aware way of working. Each activity has been assessed to improve its environmental impact, including:

• race t-shirts to be collected at the event and not shipped across the world
• wooden medals instead of metal
• phasing out single-use plastics
• local event catering
• tighter recycling activities

This event is on track to achieve carbon-neutral in its day-to-day business activities and is making progress with carbon off-setting for worldwide travel, including ground-breaking ways to make a difference in some of the host locations.

Age

16 and 17 year olds will be considered on an individual basis, if taking part with a responsible adult.

Instalment plan

eg. Pay £295 in 10 instalments.

Choose how many months you want to spread the cost over, totally interest free. There is no credit check required to use this facility. When you sign up to the instalment plan a recurring payment will be set up and your card will be debited on the same date each month.

Refund protect

Add Refund Protect to your booking during purchase and receive a full refund of your entry fee if you are unable to attend the event due to a qualifying unforeseen circumstance.

Costs

Camping in the snow was incredible, especially getting up at 2am to see the Northern Lights. The challenge itself was epic and the Pit Stop support was a great welcome after wading through waist-deep snow. Overall, a brilliant trip that I will never forget. Alan, 2022