News Updates
Thanks to everyone who was involved in this year's Yukon Gold Ultra.
Special thanks goes out to Jessica and Mike Simon who once again helped out with the checkpoints, to Keith Thaxter for lending us his quad and to husband Dave who as always, is there to pitch in. Of course, thanks to the runners and cyclist who came out to enjoy the course. I hope you had a great time and finished with some cherished memories of the trail.
The weather was all a mixed bag this year, going from rain in the morning to a hot and sunny mid day, to pouring rain through the night to more sun and rain on Sunday. For the runners who were out all night through the rain, congratulations!!!!
Luckily for the racers, no one ran into a bear on the course. This is incredibly lucky, given the number of bears that have been seen around town this year. On Sunday evening, just a couple hours after the last racer finished, a bear was seen on the Rocky Canyon trail, where everyone had gone the day before.
I'd like to congratulate Nancy Thomson for finishing her first 100 miler this past weekend. Nancy ran a very smart race and I think it must have been the salami and HUGE beef rib that she had packed for food that gave her that extra edge on the course. Thanks to Keith and Bill for coming out to run the course for a 2nd time. Also a big thanks to Wolfgang and Marion who always seemed to have a smile on their faces. Burkhardt deserves a big hand for trying to ride the course on a bike with only rear suspension!!
We will be regrouping in the next couple of months to decide when the Yukon Gold Ultra will be held in 2008 and also what format or trail changes might be made. Please stay tuned and e-mail if you have any questions, suggestions or concerns.
Thanks again and here's to a great year of running!
Shelley Gellatly, RD
Hello to you all!
We are sorting out details for next weekend's informal Yukon Gold Ultra.
Can all of you who are planning to join us, confirm with me by phone or e-mail by this Monday evening, July 23rd. My phone number is 867-393-3614.
I'd like to know whether you are running or mountain biking and which distance. Please remember this will be a self-supported race this year other than some key trail markings, water at the checkpoints (same as last year, see website), maps and overview Friday night and transportation of drop bags to the Coal Lake road checkpoint and the checkpoint at the top of Mt. MacIntyre. You'll need to pack all your own drinks mix, food, clothing, etc.
We'll plan to get together for a post race supper/rehydration meal on Sunday night. I plan to run part of the route next weekend as well, so depending on pace and the number of runners, we might be able to just run as a group.
There is one area of the trail that has been occupied by a sow black bear and 2 cubs so we may need to reroute accordingly. We will confirm any changes to the course on Friday night.
If you have any friends that have been planning on participating and haven't contacting me yet, please ask them to do so or forward on this note.
Thanks and see you next weekend!
Shelley Gellatly, RD
Hello to you all and hopefully you've been having a great summer! Thank you for your patience as I realize I haven't sent out any information for quite some time. Due to personal and family issues, I have decided to host the 2007 Yukon Gold Ultra in a reduced capacity this year. Everyone who has signed up is still invited to participate. You will receive your entrance fee back. Please contact me for more details.
The race will start at the Mt. MacIntyre Recreation Centre this year at the same times posted on the website. The ski chalet at Mt. Mac will be race headquarters and you are welcome to leave your vehicle and any clothing there.
The trail will be marked at key junctions with flagging tape and there will also be painted arrows on the trail to help direct you. We will have water on the race course and volunteers with first aid at key locations.
This year I would ask that racers prepare their gear and food to be dropped on the trail. The drop bags should be brought to the start line on Saturday morning (or Friday evening at the orientation). Checkpoints are the same as last year, so you can check the maps here on the website to familiarize yourself with the locations.
Friday evening July 27th, all racers should plan to meet at Mt. MacIntyre Recreation Centre (go downstairs to the ski chalete) at 6:30 p.m. to pick up your maps and review the course. This should be completed by 7:30 p.m. to ensure you all have plenty of time to sleep on Friday evening.
We will have an informal wrap up for the racers and volunteers at the High Country Inn on Sunday evening July 29th.
There will be no race shirts, medals or formal banquet this year. If you have any questions please give me a shout.
I appreciate your patience at this time and hope the scaled down format works for you all. Next year, we will once again host the race in it's full capacity.
Shelley Gellatly, RD
Spring is coming!!!! I'm looking out my window right now and although the snow is still deep, it feels like we've turned the corner on winter. Only 3.5 months until the Yukon Gold Ultra starts. We are hoping to see you all up here enjoying summer's long days of light and our wonderful trails.
Keep an eye on the early bird registration fees. The first cut off date is May.
We encourage all of the racers travelling to the Yukon for the Gold Ultra to book your flights with our locally owned airline, Air North. There are direct flights 3 times a week from Edmonton and Calgary and daily flights from Vancouver. You actually get something to eat and the service is outstanding. Google "Air North" for flight schedules and costs.
Just a reminder that this year we have introduced the 2-person team division for the 100 mile race. This includes both bikers and runners. Now you can bring a friend along to share the memories!!
If you have any questions or would like more information, please feel free to contact me (Shelley Gellatly) directly at train@northwestel.net.
The date has been set for the 2007 Yukon Gold Ultra. Next year's race will take place from July 28th to 29th 1 week prior to the Yukon River Trail Marathon. The timing will allow racers and/or their families the option to enjoy both events, along with a little "down time" in the Yukon.
The Yukon Gold Ultra may be included as part of the "Club Fat Ass" series next year. Stay tuned for more details.
Other race changes for the 2007 race include:
- increasing the "50 mile race" to 60 miles
- offering a 2 person team category for the 100 miler
- the addition and deletion of a couple of items under Mandatory Gear
Last year's race was very well received. Based on the feedback we received from volunteers and participants, we will be making a few other minor changes to the race logistics.
The new Application & Waiver will be available for download shortly.
We look forward to seeing you in Whitehorse next July!!!
