3 weeks ago
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THE most brutal race series in the world sees athletes avoid being eaten alive and freezing to death if they stop running.
Only the toughest ultramarathon runners in the world compete at the Beyond the Ultimate — Global Race Series.
Beyond the Ultimate
Beyond the Ultimate
Beyond the Ultimate
Beyond the UltimateThe amazing competition sees runners take part in brutal 230km races around the globe across four different environments.
Each must take a huge rucksack filled to the brim with food, water and clothes while also maintaining a steady running pace in the craziest of conditions.
One course, known as the Jungle Ultra, takes place in the Amazon in Peru.
It is regarded as the hardest race of all due to the brutal humidity and mud.
Temperatures in the jungle can reach up to 30 degrees celsius and even requires wading through torrential rivers.
Qualified guides and medics are needed to ensure athletes do not succumb to the conditions, with the rainforest host to a number of creepy crawlies and venomous reptiles.
Another race, the Mountain Ultra, sees athletes pushed to their limits in Tien Shan, Kyrgyzstan.
Featuring a total ascent of 10,500m, unpredictable temperatures range all the way from 30 degrees celsius to just 5 degrees celsius.
With a maximum altitude of 10,500m, athletes have to gasp for air.
And all competitors are required to first undergo an additional FIVE-DAY acclimatisation trek to get used to their surroundings.
Beyond the Ultimate
Beyond the Ultimate
Beyond the Ultimate
Beyond the UltimateMeanwhile, the Desert Ultra requires a brutal trek across the unforgiving sands of Namibia.
Day-time temperatures can reach a mind-blowing 55 degrees celsius.
But athletes needs clothes for all seasons as night-time drops all the way down to just 5 degrees celsius.
Sand dunes and barren scrubland await those who dare venture out in the heat.
And there is also plenty of wildlife on the loose that pose a serious danger to athletes.
With various predators on the loose, runners are even accompanied by experienced rangers tasked with keeping them safe from prying claws and jaws.
All three races in the current season have already taken place.
Now, there is just one left and it is arguably the most dangerous of all.
The fourth and final race is the Ice Ultra, which takes place in Sweden’s Arctic Circle and is mainly spent in darkness due to it just having eight hours of sun a day.
Temperatures in winter often drop to below a mind-numbing -40 degrees celsius – a temperature so cold that if you stop, you “freeze to death.”
Beyond the Ultimate
Beyond the Ultimate
Beyond the Ultimate
Beyond the UltimateThere is also the risk of runners bumping into a peckish polar bear along the way.
While the terrain is an unforgiving mix of snowfields and Arctic tundra which require specialised boots and poles to cross.
More medics and guides are required, with some paths even created to help runners find their way through the thick snow.
But lucky athletes could be treated to a night-sky show from the Northern Lights.
The race takes place in five stages across as many days.
And there is even a Red Jersey Stage which occurs on a hairy 15km frozen LAKE.
Only 40 runners are able to take part in the Ice Ultra, with places going for £3,500 and 2026’s event already sold out.
It tends to attract seasons ultra runners and those looking for an exciting challenge in an incredible setting.
Among the intrepid explorers is British ace Harry Edmonds.
The young runner is hoping to break a new record this year.
After already finishing the first three races, Edmonds on the verge of becoming the youngest person ever to complete the Ultra series.
Aged just 24, he will also achieve the incredible feat of completing all four races in a single year.
It’s been a remarkable journey for someone who only started running during lockdown.
But with dangers afoot alongside the freezing temperatures and hungry hunters, the infamous Ice Ultra will not be a walk in the park.
How to train for the Ice Ultra
Acclimatise mentally and physically
With conditions dropping to minus 40 degrees celsius, it’s important not to panic.
Short cold exposures like cold showers and ice baths help build mental resilience and confidence.
It also helps you physically by remaining calm and making rational decisions, especially when faced with icy winds.
Layering and your gear
Layer up but DON’T put on too much as this will cause you to overheat.
Sweating in sub-zero temperatures is dangerous as wet clothes get chilled.
Hypothermia and even frostbite could kick in.
Also keep electronics close to your body as they can fail in extreme cold.
Eat and drink well
Your favourite snacks could end up freezing in the cold.
Test them out by putting them in a freezer to see what works.
Also use insulated water bottles and flasks with wide mouths to prevent freezing.
Training properly
Make sure to practice with snow shoes and spikes beforehand.
Learn how to walk and tread carefully, as in the race there are always hidden dangers under the ice and snow.
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