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Among the Wild Film
Thursday, 21 January 2016 19:42
Last Updated on Friday, 22 January 2016 11:51
On January 28, 2013, the Adventure Minnesota Film crew consisting of 13 volunteers drove north to the frozen and remote wilderness of northern Minnesota to capture one of the toughest winter ultra races on our planet, the Arrowhead 135. Racers were allowed to attempt the challenging 135-mile terrain on foot, bike or ski and given only 60 hours to complete the course. Completely self-supported, there were only three checkpoints along the way that followed a snowmobile trail through forest and swampland from International Falls to Fortune Bay Casino on Lake Vermillion.
The combination of cold, challenging terrain and lack of sleep racers encounter at the Arrowhead 135 conquer even the most hearty and experienced racers. Strength and endurance alone does not ensure a finish. The Arrowhead 135 requires experience, patience, fortitude and will. All to arrive at a finish line that may not have anyone present to applaude the accomplishment.
To capture the race, the Adventure Minnesota Film crew followed three racers from start to finish: Bonnie Moebeck on bike, John Storkamp on foot and Mark Scotch on skis. Each of the racers brought their own energy and experience to the start line. Moebeck, only two years recovered from a rare bacteria illness that nearly took her life, was attempting the race for the very first time. Storkamp, a seasoned Arrowhead 135 veteran and four-time winner brought experience and know-how to his 8th run on the trail. Scotch, reasonably new to the ultra scene, raced for his 2nd time. With a laid back approach and a glint of competition in his eye, Scotch chose to ski the 135 miles to Fortune Bay Casino. The weather was in his favor.
The Adventure Minnesota Film crew now faces an ultra of its own, editing the 30+ hours of footage into a 15-20 minute film that captures the essence of the Arrowhead 135. Each of the racers placed differently. Not all of them crossed the finish line, and none of them were expecting the snowstorm that swept the course on day two.
Click HERE to either rent or purchase it from Vimeo.
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Jackie's Corner
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2021 Arrowhead Ultra 135 is canceled. We held Arrowhead in 2019 during the Polar Vortex when much of the country was shut down. We received tons of press world wide. One of the interviewers asked me if we would ever cancel the race. I said "I can't imagine a scenario in which we would ever cancel the race, the possible exception would be a massive snowstorm that would prevent emergency vehicles from accessing our check points". Along came Covid 19.
It is in the best interest of our racers, volunteers, sponsors, and community that we cancel the race. The current and extended MN Governor's orders (see below) also prevent us from holding the race.
From our website race rules tab: We do not normally offer refunds of entry fees. If we have to cancel the race we will refund ~$150 of a racer’s entry fee. The balance will be used to cover fixed costs and donated to race charities.
Governor's orders 9 h ii A
All Organized Adult Sports games, competitions, tournaments, races, spectator events, or other similar sports events continue to be prohibited
Train Hard - registration for Arrowhead 2022 (Jan 31st to Feb 2nd) will open 9-1-21.
Thank you all for your understanding.
The 17th annual AH135 will be Jan 25th to 27th, 2021. We will take applications starting 9-1-2020 8 am CST. Please make sure you have a qualifying race - see below. Our roster is limited to ~150 racers and fills quickly. Gear check will be Jan 23rd/24th. Please ensure you meet or exceed the qualifications listed below if you plan to race. Completing one of the below accomplishments would typically qualify an entrant for this year's Arrowhead Winter Ultra; however, entry is not guaranteed. The race directors reserve the right to change the rules in the interest of safety and sportsmanship or for any reason deemed appropriate by the race officials. The race directors reserve the right to select entrants based on other important considerations, as well as due to the requirements of insurers, sponsors, the Minnesota State DNR and other regulatory
agencies.
Basically, we look for both endurance and cold weather experience. Below are general guidelines - race veterans and volunteers get preference for entry.
Qualifying activities for runners:
Completing a prior Arrowhead 135, Tuscobia 160 or similar race.
Finishing 100 mile foot race or completed multi-sport event, including a 100 mile run. A race in winter conditions improves your odds of being selected and surviving.
Qualifying activities for bikers:
Complete a prior Arrowhead 135, Tuscobia 160, Susitna, or similar race.
Finishing 24 hour bike race, with minimum of 100 miles completed for off-road, or 200 miles on road. A race in winter conditions improves your odds of being selected and surviving.
Qualifying activities for skiers:
Complete a prior Arrowhead 135, Tuscobia 160, or similar race.
Finishing a 24 hour ski race with a minimum of 100 miles completed.
There are lots of articles, stories, and photo albums from racers, reporters, and volunteers. Go read them all. |
| Last Updated on Monday, 21 December 2020 21:44 |
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