Spirit of the Arrowhead - I don't think an NFL linebacker could have done what Lisa and Joy did.

Although I didn't have anything to do with the decision of the Spirit Award, I have a pretty good idea why it went to Lisa. I am one of the snowmobile volunteers and have had the pleasure of seeing Lisa on the course the past few years. All of the participants are familiar with Lisa and her positive attitude and encouragement throughout the race over the years but this year she took it a step further.

I was called out on Wednesday morning to check on some runners and on my way out I came across Joy who was having some trouble 5 miles from the finish. After pointing her in the right direction I found Lisa a half mile back and explained to her that Joy was having a hard time. Knowing that Lisa is a nurse I asked her to check on Joy when she caught up to her and I went on to pick up a racer 12 miles out that could not continue to the finish. On my trip back I came around the corner 4 miles from the finish and found Lisa and Joy travelling together......with Lisa pushing her sled and after already covering 131 miles, pulling Joy's sled behind her........with Joy riding on the sled.

I couldn't believe my eyes. Lisa is jeopardizing her own finish to try to help another racer because she knew how important it was to Joy being her 3rd attempt. Lisa told me she was ok for now but could I please check back again. I continued on to bring Bonnie back to the casino and received a call from Lisa saying that she was having a difficult time with the extra load (imagine that.....) I rode out and found them now 2 miles out. I talked to Joy and asked if she could possibly make the last 2 miles on her own. Lisa offered to pull Joy's sled to the finish and stay with her and the two of them came across the finish line together. In my years of being involved with the Arrowhead, this is the most generous gesture I have ever witnessed between competitors. Congratulations to Lisa for her second finish and to Joy for her first and again to Lisa for her well deserved Spirit of the Arrowhead Award.

International Falls hit -30 Degrees F last night.  We hope you are prepared for this year's race.  Shown below is Carla from Brazil training on the trail this week.  We have had lots of snow and cold so the trail should be in great shape.  

The Arrowhead Ultra is included in "World's ULTIMATE Running Races" (Japanese version) which will be available soon on Amazon.

Make your list, and check it twice, and make sure you have all the mandatory gear for the race.  We do a very thorough gear check.

Looking for a way to punish yourself?  Apply elsewhere.  

As expected, the 2014 Arrowhead Ultra 135 roster filled in record time.  We are amazed at the talent of the applicants.  There will be a lot of competition on the trail this winter.  We are holding a few spots for elite race veterans (multiple finishes or top finishers) who are on the trail and have not sent in their applications yet.  The roster will be posted shortly.  

See you in a couple months.

photo by Ian Hall I think.

2014 Arrowhead 135 race dates set for last week January. Check-in Jan 25/26, race start Monday Jan 27th, 2014 7AM International Falls, Minnesota. No major changes expected, just more good clean hard fun.

Applications for Arrowhead 135 veterans will be taken starting 9-1-13. Applications for new racers will be taken starting 10-1-13. We are expecting a full field of racers this year, please ensure you list your qualifications on your application as this may be a factor in determining the race roster.

The application download on the Race Registration page has been updated for 2014.

Please note that we will not be offering a free entry to the ITI for race winners this year.  This was done the past couple years to promote the ITI in Alaska, this promotion was a huge success with 16 AH135 racers participating in the ITI in 2013 (with 100% finish rate!!)

Trophy plaques should get mailed next week, if not to you finishers by late March give us a jingle. Bunch of Arrowheaders showing great results at ITI 350 up north, congratulations to all, quite a year is an understatement! Good luck to you in all your off-season endeavors, hope to see you again in I-Falls.