Arctic Circle

The very nature of adventure means that the unexpected can sometimes become part of the journey and that is all part of the experience. While we will always strive to deliver “Plan A”, there may be occasions where operational, safety, weather or environmental factors require us to adapt plans and implement contingency routes or alternative arrangements.

As with all Rat Race adventures, participant safety and overall event delivery remain our highest priorities. We therefore reserve the right to amend routes, itineraries or logistics where necessary, using the experience and judgement of our expedition team to make the best decisions on your behalf in changing conditions. Wherever possible, we will communicate any changes in advance. More often than not, these unexpected moments become part of the adventure itself adding to the stories, memories and unique character of the experience.

Click 'Enter' and sign into your Rat Race account and follow the sign up procedure. If you need any assistance please drop the customer service team an email on events@ratrace.com

Rat Race require you to be over 18 on the day of Registration for this adventure.

If you find yourself unable to join us on the start line of this event, you are able to transfer your entry into an event credit voucher once for use on a new entry into an event of your choice. Transfers must be requested within the qualifying transfer window to be accepted and processed. Credit vouchers are valid for 12 months from the date of issue. Credit vouchers are exempt from the transfer process. To find out more information and how to submit a request, view of full transfer policy HERE 

You are very welcome to fundraise for any charity close to your heart while taking part in the event. Please note, however, that our Charity Refund Offer applies exclusively to participants fundraising for Children with Cancer UK.

You can view our current volunteer positions here. 

Yes, there are cut-offs on the event, but these are based purely around the available daylight hours each day. Our aim is to help everyone complete the adventure, so if you fall behind the required pace and are unlikely to reach the end before nightfall, our crew will transport you forward by snowmobile. You are then welcome to restart again the following day. This is not an event where missing a cut-off means your adventure is over.

Add Refund Protect to your booking during purchase and receive a full refund of your entry fee if you are unable to attend the event due to a qualifying unforeseen circumstance. PLEASE NOTE this protection is with our 3rd party partner Refund Protect and NOT Rat Race. In the event you make a refund application this is administered by the Refund Protect customer service team, Rat Race are not privy to the application and cannot intervene on your behalf to influence the outcome determined by their team.

To add Refund Protect (administered by a 3rd party) to your Rat Race booking simply select this option when presented during the entry process. Refund Protect cannot be added retrospectively. Rat Race will then send you name and booking details to Refund Protect in order to protect your transaction with them. If you opt to pay in instalments and transfer your entry before the entry cost is full paid you will be liable to ensure the cost of Refund Protect has been fully covered. This total amount will be deducted from any Rat Race credit due through the transfer process or you will be invoiced by Rat Race for the outstanding amount as Rat Race have paid this on your behalf to Refund Protect at point of entry. 

Yes. Comprehensive travel insurance is compulsory for this event and must cover both general travel and participation in the outdoor endurance activities included within the itinerary. You will also require Evacuation Insurance, which covers emergency extraction and onward medical transport by helicopter or similar should urgent assistance be required in this remote environment.

We strongly recommend arranging your insurance as soon as you enter the event and booking flexible flight options where possible to allow for any unexpected changes. Please ensure your chosen policy specifically covers the activities you will be undertaking during the expedition. There are a number of specialist adventure travel insurers available, including Mann Broadbent.

INCLUDED ACTIVITY KIT

We provide the below specialist equipment required for each discipline:

Bike Stage

• Fat bike

• Helmet (flat pedals only – no cleats as walking sections require proper footwear)

Ski Stage

• Cross-country skis

• Ski boots

• Poles

Snowshoe Stage

• Snowshoes

• Poles

MANDATORY ACTIVITY KIT

Kit you must carry/use during the challenge:

Clothing & Layering

• Mid-ankle flexible boots (not stiff mountain boots), ideally insulated

• Base layers (full arms and legs, moisture-wicking)

• Technical wicking t-shirts / base layers

• Long-sleeved wicking layer

• Mid-layer (microfleece or similar)

• Windproof tights or trekking trousers

• Waterproof jacket & trousers (must have taped or welded seams)

• Rat Rag / neck gaiter

• 2 x balaclavas (one will likely ice up from breath condensation)

• Gloves (2-layer system recommended: thin liner + insulated mittens)

• Woolly / fleece hats (thick + thin options recommended)

• Spare base & mid layers

• Socks (liner + thicker oversock recommended)

Eye & Face Protection

• Sunglasses or goggles (Category 3 protection minimum)

Safety & Self-Sufficiency

• 1-person foil bivvy bag (must be a bag, not a survival blanket)

• Daypack (15–30L recommended) for:

  • spare clothing

  • medical kit

  • food

  • drinks

  • emergency kit

Hydration & Nutrition

• 2 x insulated water bottles (1.5L total recommended)

  • Plastic mouthpieces only

  • NO hydration bladders/Camelbaks (they freeze)

• Electrolyte tablets

• Snacks / personal sports nutrition

• Freeze-dried expedition meals for camp:

  • 1 x main meal

  • 1 x dessert

  • 1 x breakfast option

PERSONAL MEDICAL KIT (MANDATORY)

Must be carried at all times:

• Roller bandage

• Gauze / absorbent dressing

• Steri-Strips

• Antiseptic spray or cream

• Assorted plasters

• Rubber gloves

• Paracetamol (not Ibuprofen)

• Personal prescribed medication

BIKE STAGE SPECIFIC KIT

Recommended extras for the fat bike stage:

• Your own helmet 

• Thin beanie to fit under helmet

• Insulated cycling footwear / mid-ankle boots

• Double socks

• Tights or padded bib shorts

• Overshoes (if you have them)

Ladies: we recommend avoiding bib shorts for convenience.

GENERAL / EVENING KIT

For accommodation, downtime and standing around in cold conditions:

Warm Clothing

• Down jacket (750 fill power minimum)

• Insulated boots (e.g. Sorel Caribou)

• Indoor shoes / slippers

• Gilet / insulated vest

• Casual evening clothes

Camp Kit

• Sleeping bag (comfort rated to -20°C)

• 2 x foam mats OR:

  • 1 x foam mat

  • 1 x Therm-a-Rest / inflatable sleeping mat

Essentials

• Headtorch (150 lumens minimum)

• Spare batteries

• Towel

• Toiletries

• Personal medication

• Mobile phone

• Power bank

• International plug adaptor

• Overnight duffel / rucksack

• Reusable cup (not metal)

• Plastic spoon / spork

• Multitool / penknife (optional)

• Book / reading material (optional)

We recommend completing a basic introduction to cross-country skiing before the event, but beyond that, no prior experience is required. Novice skiers are absolutely welcome, this adventure is designed to be achievable for both beginners and more experienced participants. On arrival, you’ll receive a 60-minute guided ski lesson, along with all the specialist equipment needed for the ski stage.