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Montane Arctic Spine Race 2026 - Course Records & Race Wrap Up

The 2026 edition of the Montane Arctic Spine Race has delivered everything this brutal expedition race has come to represent: extraordinary endurance, raw determination, and performances that push the limits of what’s humanly possible. With temperatures plummeting to extreme lows and terrain that tests even the most seasoned ultrarunners, this year’s competitors have once again shown why the Arctic Spine remains one of the toughest challenges on earth.

A New Course Record: Montane Arctic Spine Race 2026

After claiming victory at the Arctic Challenger in 2025, Bjorn Haugum returned to the frozen wilderness with one goal: to push the limits even further. Battling temperatures as low as –35°C and navigating the vast Arctic expanse in complete isolation, he faced a test that demanded as much mental resilience as physical strength.

What followed was a truly exceptional performance, completing the 293 mile course in 194 hours and 43 minutes. Bjorn not only secured the 2026 title but set a new course record along the way.

A remarkable achievement in an environment few dare to enter.

The 2026 Arctic Spine Challenger Race brought another standout moment as Andrew Bond claimed victory after an unforgettable effort into Kvikkjokk. Frozen but jubilant, Andrew crossed the line with a smile that said everything about the magnitude of the challenge he had overcome.

What made his win even more remarkable was his unconventional equipment choice: snowshoes instead of skis. Against all expectations, Andrew proved that the Challenger course can indeed be conquered in snowshoes, maintaining an impressive pace throughout and finishing with strength.

His bold approach will be talked about for seasons to come.

In a race that only five people managed to finish, Kirstie Law delivered a phenomenal performance to take the title in the Women’s Explorer category. Crossing the finish line in Nikkaluokta in 53 hours and 19 minutes, she completed the journey alongside second‑placed men’s runner Luke Latimer a testament to her pace, resilience, and strategic race execution.

Kirstie’s effort stood out not only for its strength but for its consistency. Navigating the frozen landscape with composure and grit, she showed exactly what it takes to conquer the Explorer course.

The Men’s Explorer category saw an explosive performance from Carlos Marcos, who not only claimed victory but shattered the course record with a remarkable finishing time of 29 hours and 31 minutes.

From the outset, Carlos pushed hard across the Arctic wilderness, maintaining a pace that never wavered. His record‑breaking run will stand as one of the defining moments of the 2026 event, and raises the bar for future competitors.

The 2026 Montane Arctic Spine Race has delivered extraordinary racing across all categories, record‑breaking performances, bold decisions, and inspiring resilience. From Kirstie’s powerful win to Carlos’s blistering new record and Andrew’s unconventional triumph, each runner has contributed to one of the most memorable editions of the event yet.