Northwest Passage Marathon - Arctic Watch Nunavut Canada July 31 2011

Northwest Passage Marathon & 50-K

Location:Arctic Watch NU
Date:Sun 07/31/2011
Main Distance:Marathon
Other Distances:50-K

Event Size:42 Participants
Race Type:Trail

Event	Distance	Start Date/Time
Trail Run	50-K	Sun 07/31/2011 - 9:00 AM
Trail Run	Marathon	Sun 07/31/2011 - 10:00 AM

Highlights:Entry includes air travel to/from Yellowknife and all food and lodging on Somerset Island, including two days before the race and returning late in the evening on race day, traveling by light planes. Arctic sightseeing and trail run. A longer stay is also available.Web URL:http://www.arcticwatch.ca/arctic-adventures/northwest-passage-marathonContact Information:Name:Richard WeberEmail:mail@canadianarcticholidays.caPhone:819-459-1794Address:363 Pritchard Rd.
Alcove QC J0X 1A0

Program: Northwest Passage Marathon and Ultramarathon Package #1
Dates: July 29 to August 1, 2011
Cost: $3,900 from Yellowknife, NT, Canada

Program: Northwest Passage Marathon and Ultramarathon Package #2
Dates: July 29 to August 5, 2011
Cost: $7,900.00 from Yellowknife, NT, Canada

The Northwest Passage Marathon on Somerset Island in Nunavut, Canada, is North America’s most northerly marathon and ultramarathon. This race is held under the 24-hour Arctic sun and against the backdrop of the fabled Northwest Passage.

The Northwest Passage Marathon is a true wilderness route. The 50 km course leaves Arctic Watch, goes north along the shore of the Cunningham Inlet for 10 km to Polar Bear Point. The runners then turn west and run beside the famed Northwest Passage for the next 18 km. The trail follows a series of old raised beaches of sandstone pebbles. There are icebergs on the water and ancient encampments on the shore. During past events, runners saw dozens of beluga whales, many seals and polar bears. At Cape Marie, runners turn south and inland along the Red Valley (so named for the red stone and soil). Muskox sightings in this area are common. The trail then swings back east and climbs gently before dropping back down towards the Cunningham River. The final kilometres are along the river back to Arctic Watch.

This is a rough trail run with no roads, marked with Inukshuks and flags. The surface is generally smooth and covered with pebble-sized rocks. There are some shallow creek crossings. There’s no need to carry water, all the water is potable. But expect to have wet feet!

The Northwest Passage Marathon is a proud member of AIMS (Association of International Marathons and Distance Races)http://aimsworldrunning.com/Calendar.htm

RICHARD WEBER - has trekked to the North Pole more than anyone in history