Mathieu Blanchard Wins Grueling 608 km Yukon Arctic Ultra in Record Time

The French ultra-runner endured extreme cold and respiratory struggles to become the first to complete the new 600 km route on foot in under eight days.

Mathieu Blanchard completed the Yukon Arctic Ultra in 7 days, 22 hours, becoming the first to finish the new 600 km course on foot since its introduction in 2003.
The race, held in the Canadian Yukon, featured temperatures as low as -50°C and a grueling 6,564 meters of elevation gain.
Blanchard pulled a 30 kg sled carrying his supplies throughout the race, which is known for its extreme physical and mental challenges.
He faced severe respiratory issues and exhaustion, describing moments of hallucination and disorientation during the final stretch of the race.
Another French runner, Guillaume Grima, finished second, completing the course in just over eight days, while many participants were forced to abandon due to the harsh conditions.