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

Arctic Watch is a wilderness fly-in lodge located in Cunningham Inlet on Somerset Island, Nunavut. Arctic Watch specialises in nature viewing, particularly beluga whales and muskox. The lodge offers activities such as hiking, rafting, sea kayaking and ATVing. The lodge is owned and operated by Arctic and North Pole travel specialists, Josee Auclair and Richard Weber. A visitor to Arctic Watch can experience a wide range of arctic activities while based in a comfortable lodge—A true arctic safari.

The running races are held over three different categories:

1) The 35 mile ultra-marathon
2) The marathon
3) The half marathon

The Northwest Passage Marathon Race course is a true wilderness route. The 35 mile course leaves Arctic Watch, goes north along the shore of the Cunningham Inlet for 9 km to Polar Bear Point. Upon reaching polar bear point, one of the main fuelling stations for the runners, runners turn west and run along the banks of the fabled North West Passage for the next 16km. The trail snakes over raised beaches and sand stone pebbles, with views of icebergs, seals, whales, ancient Inuit encampments, arctic hares and arctic foxes. Upon reaching Cape Marie, runners wade the knee deep river and head inland towards Arctic Watch. The remainder of the trail, heading towards Arctic Watch, passes over top the “Red Valley” (named for its stunning red cliffs and rolling hillsides), encountering muskox and a variety of nesting birds. The final 3km snakes along the Cunningham River and finishes at the lodge.

The marathon and half marathon run out and back along the ultra-marathon trail. The trails are rougher than roads, with the occasional creek crossing and clearly marked with inuksuks and bright orange flags.

Questions

Should you have any further questions, please feel free to contact us:

Toll free: 1 877 ARCTIC 6
Or 1 819 459 1794

Email: