Search
shop

From Ironman to Iceman – 6633 Arctic Ultra

Multiple Ironman finisher and ultra-runner Mark Whittle recently became the first Welshman to complete the 6633 Arctic Ultra.
Last updated -
Get the ultimate guide to destination racing

A triathlon coach from Cardiff has become the first Welshman to complete the world’s toughest, coldest, windiest ultra-distance race by finishing joint fifth at the 6633 Arctic Ultra (www.6633ultra.com) in Canada.

Mark Whittle was running the non-stop, 380-mile self-supported foot race across the Arctic Circle for the first time and came home in exactly the same time as running partner Hayley White, who in turn became the first British woman to finish the event.

The 6633 Arctic Ultra has a fearsome reputation, with winds blowing up to 70mph, temperatures dropping to minus 40 degrees centigrade, and around 75% of competitors dropping out before the finish. In fact, most runners who attempt the race don’t complete it until their second attempt and only six of the 23 starters finished in 2018.

6633 Arctic Ultra - Mark Whittle

“For me, the 6633 was never a race,” said Whittle, the founder and head coach at WhittleFit Triathlon Coaching. “With such a high DNF rate and the extreme conditions in the Arctic Circle, my goal was to try and finish the race. So to finish in joint fifth place, and to complete the race on my first attempt, has left me extremely pleased.”

Starting at Eagle Plains in the Yukon Territory and crossing the Arctic Circle before finishing on the shore of the Arctic Ocean, the 6633 Arctic Ultra crosses hills, mountain passes, frozen rivers, ice roads and some of the world’s most inhospitable terrain throughout its gruelling 9-day duration. Special equipment is required for competitors to tackle the event safely, with each racer pulling a sled behind them (known locally as pulks), and carrying all of their clothing, food and water for the entire 380 miles. Mark’s blog of the event is also available online HERE.

6633 Arctic Ultra - Mark Whittle

With multiple Ironman triathlon finishes and having represented Great Britain at World and European Age Group Triathlon Championships, Whittle is no stranger to preparing for endurance events. The 45-year-old did most of his training in South Wales in the mountains of the Brecon Beacons National Park, on the rugged trails of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path and along the Offa’s Dyke National Trail.

For advice on how to prepare for ultra-running events or triathlons, visit www.whittlefit.com

Written by
Press Release
Discover more
Challenge Sardinia location
Let’s race… Challenge Forte Village Sardinia
Are calf sleeves actually worth it for triathletes? How many watts aero calf compression sleeves could save you
Laura Siddall Patagonman Xtreme Triathlon 2023
PremiumAre we in a triathlon boom, or hurtling towards burnout? Laura Siddall on the growth of the sport
Is sports nutrition bad for you? Ultra-processed foods are under siege, and athletes are caught in the cross fire – but should we be worried?
Challenge Barcelona 2023 - Photo Credit: Jose Luis Hourcade
The ultimate city break triathlon race-cations: from Challenge Barcelona to Singapore T100 these are the best city centre races to combine multisport with sightseeing
latest News
Laura Philipp wins the 2024 IRONMAN World Championship in Nice, France
Champion Laura Philipp reveals new game plan ahead of Kona title defence
IRONMAN World Championship 2024 podium - Laura Philipp, Kat Matthews, Chelsea Sodaro
IRONMAN World Championship 2025 in Kona: Laura Siddall’s big-race preview and predictions
Hoala Training Swim Kona 2025 3
Sid’s day one diary from Kona: LCB shows who’s boss in Ho’ala Training Swim as excitement builds
Lucy Charles Barclay wins 2023 IRONMAN World Championship photo credit Getty Images for IRONMAN
IRONMAN World Championship at Kona 2025: Lucy Charles-Barclay predicts new course record
Jeanne Lehair Supertri Toulouse proposal 2025
Star triathlete wins biggest race of her career – and then accepts marriage proposal on podium!
triathlon on your terms
Never miss out with our triathlon alerts & digest. Get a dose of adventure & inspiration with Boundless.
The 247 Group

The home of endurance sports

TRI247-LOGO_Primary-Black_RGB-1

CHOOSE YOUR MEMBERSHIP TO BECOME PART OF SOMETHING EPIC

We’re on a mission to elevate the world of endurance sport, becoming your go-to resource for expert training tips and inspiration, unbiased reporting and creating a platform for grassroots voices. But we can’t do it without you on board! Choose a TRI247+ membership option below and become part of something epic.

All plans include a 7-day free trial

£7.95/month

Unlimited access. No ads. A whole library of tips, advice and inspiration at your finger tips, and the chance to shape the future of triathlon journalism.

100+ new articles/month

You’ll also gain access to our other premium websites:

Have an account? Sign in

All plans include a 7-day free trial

£47.95/year
£95.40/year

50% Discount

100+ new articles/month

Unlimited access. No ads. A whole library of tips, advice and inspiration at your finger tips, and the chance to shape the future of triathlon journalism.

You’ll also gain access to our other premium websites:

Have an account? Sign in

Share to...