"An exploration rather than a competition: Catch the instance when a Norwegian athlete emerges as the inaugural finisher of the daunting 293-mile Arctic Spine Race"
Norwegian Runner Leif Abrahamsen Conquers the Toughest Expedition Race in Arctic Sweden
Leif Abrahamsen, a Norwegian ultrarunner, has made history by becoming the first person to complete the Montane Arctic Spine Race, a grueling 293-mile expedition race held in Arctic Sweden.
The Montane Arctic Spine Race, which follows the Kungsleden Trail, is considered one of the world's toughest expedition races. Participants must be equipped and skilled in Arctic survival techniques, skiing or snowshoeing, navigation, and handling pulks (sledges) for carrying gear. The race takes place in extreme cold conditions, with temperatures as low as -40°C and winds as high as 40mph, and competitors must be prepared to navigate in whiteout conditions[1][2].
Abrahamsen, who took the lead on day number 2 after braving the weather and tricky terrain throughout the night when many others sought shelter and escaped the storm, was praised for being "calm, methodical, unflappable"[1]. He completed the race alone, after leaving all other competitors behind on day two, and finished the race in an impressive 200 hours and 14 minutes[1].
When asked about his favorite part of the race, Abrahamsen replied: "Up in the mountains, crossing a high ridge in the full moon, during aurora. I didn't use the head torch."[1] He also emphasized that if one approaches the Montane Arctic Spine Race as a race, they will never get through, as it is more of an expedition than a race[1].
The inaugural Montane Arctic Spine Race took place in 2024, but the race was closed a little short of the full 293 miles due to the only remaining participant, Irish athlete Kev Leahy, being the only participant for the final two days[1]. The race resumed in 2025 with multiple participants, including Abrahamsen[1]. The race is scheduled to take place again in February 2026[1].
Joe Barrs from Great Britain and Ulf Nore came joint-second with a time of 8 days, 15 hours, and 19 minutes[1]. The Montane Arctic Spine Race requires specific outdoor gear, such as ice axes, ski backpacks, and crampons for sure-footed traction on frozen terrain[1].
[1] Montane Arctic Spine Race, www.arcticspine.se [2] Montane Arctic Spine Race Training and Preparation Courses, www.arcticspine.se/training
Sports enthusiasts should take note that the Montane Arctic Spine Race, considered one of the world's toughest expedition races, is held in Arctic Sweden and challenges participants with extreme cold conditions, demanding survival skills, and skiing or snowshoeing, among other challenges. Leif Abrahamsen, a renowned ultrarunner, accomplished this grueling race, completing it alone in an impressive 200 hours and 14 minutes.
