Race Stages

The race will be split into 4 stages:

Point 660 to Start Line

Everyone will start on the West coast of Greenland (Sondre Stromfjord) and will be driven by large 4×4 vehicle to the edge of the icecap known as point 660, and the start of the Greenland Icecap Challenge. From here everyone will follow a set GPS route up onto the icecap, a distance of approximately 25km. This will be well marked to stay clear of major crevasses and deep melt water channels. During this early stage, plenty of fluid must be consumed as the sun is beating down on us. This section can actually be very challenging as you pick your way through the smaller melt water channels and some small obvious crevasses.

Start Line to Check Point 1 (Dye 2)

The second race stage will take 6-10 days covering approximately 160 km. After the start line, you will gradually trek slowly up hill and onto the plateau towards Dye 2. As you look back, the mountaintops will gradually disappear and you are left with the rolling plateau like gigantic skateboard parks. This stage must be taken seriously and those who push their limits early will suffer later on. At Dye2 everyone will have to pass through an electronic check point (similar to that of orienteering). You then may choose to rest along side the staff tents and take a look around Dye 2 (Dye-2 was a Distant Early Warning station built by the USA in the Cold War to detect missile attacks. It was evacuated in 1987 ) or those of you looking to race hard and fast may just continue straight on. Obviously the competitors racing supported will pick up the first re-supply of food and fuel and can take advantage of visiting the doctor or stealing some warmth from the staff tent.

Dye 2 to Check Point 2

This race stage will take 6-10 days approximately and cover a distance of 200km. Leaving Dye2 you will be well into your team dynamics and routines. Your fitness levels will have noticeably increased and you will be able to increase distance and increase your walking hours gradually each day. During this stage of the race, after weeks of trekking gradually uphill you will reach the race summit (2550metres). It is here you find the temperatures dropping to there lowest. You will notice the light continually changing, the sunset rolls into sunrise and the different levels of cloud cover changes the snow contrast, making a truly beautiful ice landscape. At the end of this stage, you will again have to pass through a compulsory check point. Here the supported teams will receive their last re-supply.

Check Point 2 to Finish Line

This final race stage will take approximately 4-8 days covering a distance of 165km. This leg will be the fastest of the race, with sleds becoming lighter and the terrain predominantly down hill. The weather will also become warmer the closer you move towards the icecap fringes. The finish line is on the edge of the plateau where the ice meets land. After completing the race you will get picked up by helicopter and flown back to civilization. If we experience inclement weather then you will experience a breathtaking journey down towards the Fjord where you will take a short journey by boat to the final pick up point. On your route home you will have the time to enjoy the amazing views out towards sea, which will be littered with gigantic icebergs. Back in Tasilaq you will have a hot shower, hot food, a beer or two to celebrate and a well-deserved rest!