Izegem (Brussels Morning Newspaper) -The Izegem resident Chris Seynaeve has returned from the Arctic Ultra’s finish line, which took place in northern Canada. One of the toughest ultramarathons in the world. Family members and friends welcomed him when he returned to Zaventem airport.
“Giving up was not an option. I had to reach the finish line because the children and young people who rely on free psychological support should not give up either. Together with the many followers, fans, sponsors, friends and family members who pushed me to the finish line with hundreds of messages, I succeeded,”
Says Chris Seynaeve.
Some of those supporters left for Brussels Airport this morning to surprise their hero.
“I didn’t expect it. Seeing all those people again is really great. We had a drink and then we went back to Izegem together in a bus.”
“Although I actually saw my body as my worst enemy, this is now very much okay. My knock may come a bit later, like last year, but I could start again right away.”
Still, the Izegem native claims not to take on such tough challenges in the future.
“Sportively, I do manage to complete those trips, but it also takes up a lot of time. Time that I now want to spend with my family and friends. I also get invitations for more local competitions, but they are nothing compared to those Arctic marathons.”
What makes the Arctic Ultra one of the world’s toughest races?
The Canadian northern region hosts the Arctic Ultra, which stands as one of the world’s toughest ultramarathon events by allowing runners to experience 611-kilometer icy terrain paths under -35 degrees Celsius cold. Every competitor must pull a sledge containing their entire supply load, which amplifies their physical burden and mental challenges. Participants label this challenging portion of the race as the “Horror Stage” because it results in many competitors dropping out due to harsh environmental conditions.
Chris Seynaeve successfully finished the 611-kilometre contest in eight days while enduring a severe equipment failure on day three as an experienced Belgian ultra hiker. His participation delivered success both as a personal achievement and as a key point in fundraising for free psychological support for children and young people.
Similar to other elite sporting events, the Arctic Ultra fails to complete the race course as most athletes who embark on it drop out before the end point, making it a formidable challenge for the world’s top endurance competitors.
