NEO News

Richard Charles, Ergo's resident extreme sportsperson, is departing our shores this weekend to volunteer at the Yukon Arctic Ultra Marathon, branded 'the world's toughest ultra-marathon'.

Richard has signed up to be a volunteer, with an eye to completing the race himself on foot (300 miles), in 2017. Temperatures in the Yukon at this time of year range from -8 degrees to -40 degrees, a temperature so cold that if not managed competitors face risks of hypothermia and frostbite. Richard has purchased a raft of specialty gear, which includes 'mesh' polypropylene undergarments, and a down jacket which is around 2 inches thick when fully lofted.

The race begins in Whitehorse, Yukon Territory, which has been declared as the city with the cleanest air in the world. Richard will meet with fellow volunteers on Monday and the race begins on Tuesday the 2nd February. There are two other New Zealanders who are competing in the event.

Further updates will be made when Richard returns to NZ, in mid-February.

Further information on the event can be found here.