Runners Brave Minnesota Polar Vortex for 135-Mile Ultramarathon

Runner's World ^ | January 30, 2019 | Andrew Dawson

[Tolerance Sucks Rocks]

You may be bundled up during the polar vortex that’s sweeping the nation, but for some outdoor enthusiasts, it was the perfect temperature for this year’s Arrowhead 135 ultramarathon.

The a race is purposely held in late January or early February each year to line up with what they hope is the coldest temperatures of the year. It runs roughly 135 miles between International Falls, Minnesota, to Lake Vermillion in Minnesota along the arrowhead State Trail. This year, they were right on the money, as temperatures dropped as low as -30 degrees Fahrenheit.

“It’s supposed to be coupled with this time of year,” race director Ken Krueger told Runner’s World. “It’s really cold on the skin.”

There were 146 competitors this year split between the four disciplines allowed in the race: running, cycling, skiing, and kick-sledding. Seventy-five riders, 64 runners, four skiers, and three kick sledders started the race.

As you can imagine, the frigid conditions wore on the racers from the moment they set off at 7 a.m. Monday.

“I was out there for 21 hours,” Don Gabrielson, who fat biked this year’s event, told Runner’s World. “I did get on the edge of hypothermia at the end, but it always amazes me how much heat your body produces. Unless you stop. You can’t stop, or at least not stop for long.”

Many runners still had to carry provisions and survival equipment with them, which could get a little difficult all bundled up. And even with the mittens and all of the high-tech, cold weather gear—plus duct tape on the face, in some cases—the cold weather still got to them.

[NativeSon]

Good luck with that, chief ...

[Vendome]

I’d try that.

[Deaf Smith]

Helps for the guys to wear a battery operated, heated cup.

[allendale]

Trophies and Darwin awards to all participants.

[Track9]

You can learn a lot by almost dying.

[sparklite2]

disciplines allowed in the race: running, cycling, skiing, and kick-sledding

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I’d win the gold medal in shivering.

[Steely Tom]

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[PGR88]

You can’t stop. Your sweat will make you wet. at -30 Deg. F, you’ll freeze fast.

[Jack Hammer]

Lunatics. End of story.

[Vermont Lt]

There would have to be something wonderful in front of me, or something really terrifying behind me.

[dhs12345]

Darn. This is not at all good.

[dhs12345]

And freeze your lungs.

[jonascord]

What could be more fun than frost bitten sinuses and noses? That blue/black look to the cheeks and nose is such a complexion enhancer.

Google frost-bite images. Just wow.

Any time one of these stories pops up, I remember Jim Fixx. Healthiest guy in the cemetery.

[Chauncey Gardiner]

Shrinkage

[albie]

Stupid.

[Artcore]

I don’t think breathing cold air during exertion is really good for your heart.

[Digger]

Trophies and Darwin awards to all participants.

Luv it.

[buffyt]

It is 61F here right now in Lago Vista Texas (N.W> of Austin, on Lake Travis) It is gray foggy damp, I am staying INDOORS with a space heater warming my frozen legs....

[buffyt]

Great Comment! he he he