The World's Coldest Ultra Race

02/02/22 • 31 min

In this episode, host Daniel Neilson talks to ultra-runner Kevin Leahy and filmmaker Adrian McCarthy.
While backpacking in Canada’s Yukon Territory, Kevin discovered the Montane Yukon Arctic Ultra. Feeling inspired, he went back a year later to tackle the 100 Mile race and won! On February 3rd 2022, he’s heading back to take on the 300-mile race. Then a few weeks later, he’s flying to Sweden for the Montane Lapland Arctic Ultra.
Filmmaker Adrian McCarthy has been following Kevin over the last two years, documenting his journey through training around Killarney, lockdowns, and cancellations as part of their documentary “1000km of Chaos.” Kevin and Adrian give us an amazing insight into preparing, training, and developing the mindset to take on hundreds of miles in extremely cold conditions.
To follow Kevin’s progress in the Montane Yukon Arctic Ultra from February 3rd visit montane.com/yukonarcticultra. You can also track Kevin from March 6th during Lapland Arctic Ultra via the Montane website. If you would like to know more about their film project visit 1000kmofchaos.com.

Previous Episode

The Spine

To kick off the new year, we're taking a look at the Montane Spine Race, a 268 mile, 7 day, winter ultra. Starting in Edale the race follows the Pennine Way through the Peak District, Yorkshire Dales, and into the Northumberland National Park over the Cheviots, finishing in Kirk Yetholm on the Scottish Border.
To start, we hear from Montane athlete Debbie Martin-Consani, who came first in the women's field, moments after she crossed the finish line. Host, Daniel Nielson chats with Montane ambassador and running coach Howard Dracup, who this year took part in the Spine Challenger North Race and took an impressive third overall. Howard tells us about the nitty-gritty of the race and how he tackled his training. And finally, we caught up with Eoin Keith, the overall winner, at the finish line.

Next Episode

Climbing and Activism with Graham Zimmerman

In this episode, host Daniel Neilson talks to alpinist, filmmaker, and climate change advocate Graham Zimmerman. Graham has taken on some of the biggest mountains in the world, such as K2 and Link Sar, and uses his stories to help make the world a better place.
He offers thought-provoking insights into his exceptional climbing career, much of it in the Greater Ranges, and his work with Protect Our Winters. POW is a climate action charity that brings together pro athletes and passionate outdoor enthusiasts to raise awareness and bring about systemic climate change solutions.
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*Warning: Contains some explicit language.