CHOOSE TO FUNDRAISE FOR CHILDREN WITH CANCER UK AND EARN UP TO A £2500 REFUND ON YOUR ENTRY FEE. FIND OUT MORE.

3 STAGES, 3 COUNTRIES, 3 WINTER SPORT DISCIPLINES A BRILLIANT ARCTIC ADVENTURE.

Our adventure unfolds in the deep freeze of the Scandinavian north, well above the Arctic circle. The focus of the trip is the 3 nations cairn – the spot where Norway, Sweden and Finland converge. Our route will visit this point and we will use 3 different disciplines on our course – 1 each per stage of travel.

SIGN UP NOW FOR ONLY*

£237.67

*price per month, depending on departure date, click here for more info on pricing

EVENT DATES:

14 - 18 MARCH / 2025
13 - 17 MARCH / 2026

BUY EVENT VOUCHER NOW

Enter Now

SLEEP STYLE:

CAMPING,
AND B&B

LOCATION:

NORWAY, FINLAND, AND SWEDEN

DURATION:

5 DAYS /
4 NIGHTS

DISTANCE:

19 MILES (30 KM) ON BIKE + 13 MILES (21KM) ON SKI + 13 MILES (21 KM) ON FOOT

DIFFICULTY RATING: CAN I DO THIS?

This adventure is for anyone with a with a moderate level of fitness.

WHAT'S INCLUDED:

ACCOMMODATION

4 nights accommodation / B&B and camping.

GUIDES AND SUPPORT

Professional support vehicles, safety staff, medical and welfare.

SAFETY

Professional local and UK safety staff, bike mechanic, medics, drivers, snowmobile operators, route safety staff and Rat Race experts on hand throughout. Audited and accredited to BS8848 expedition safety standard.

ALL MEALS

All meals included as standard at hotels. Provide own evening meal and breakfast when camping.

EQUIPMENT

All winter equipment provided, skis, snowshoes and fat bikes.

TRANSFER POLICY

Flexible transfer policy up to 12 weeks before your departure date.

TRANSFERS

Transfers to and from Tromso Norway.

EXTRAS

High quality medal, rat rag and premium t-shirt for all participants.

YOUR TRIP LEADER:
Rob

Your leader for this trip is Rob
and he's our highly experienced Operations Director with a wealth of leadership and safety knowledge. Click below to find out more...

ABOUT ROB

RAISE £5000 AND GET UP TO £2500 REFUNDED

SET UP YOUR JUST GIVING PAGE HERE OR FIND OUT MORE ABOUT OUR CHARITY PARTNERSHIP HERE

Our adventure unfolds in the deep freeze of the Scandinavian north, well above the Arctic circle. The focus of the trip is the 3 nations cairn of Scandinavia – the spot where Norway, Sweden and Finland converge. Our route will visit this tripoint and we will use 3 different disciplines on our course – 1 each per stage of travel.

This trip benefits from significant use of inclusive in-country equipment (snow-shoes, skis, fatbikes) which means it is relatively accessible without the requirement for you to provide too much specialist kit. You will need warm winter clothing of course and you should expect serious arctic winter conditions. This is a real Arctic challenge with a seriously tangible objective: 3 countries, 3 adventure activities, 3 different stages.

DAY ONE: ARRIVE TROMSO, NORWAY AND TRANSFER TO KILPISJARVI, FINLAND

You will arrive into Tromso the night before to stay in this charming Arctic city at accommodation arranged by yourself, the meeting point is in the city at 0900. After our adventure, we will return to this incredible Norwegian city high up above the Arctic circle but for now, we will make our way to Kilpisjarvi across the border in Finland, where we will check kit, get a guided ski lesson and get to grips with your fat bike. We will also meet our guides and brief for the days ahead. It is a 3 hour drive, including an opportunity to stop to buy some food en route.

ACCOMMODATION: Twin Bedrooms, Kilpisjarvi.
MEALS: Dinner provided. You will be able to purchase some food if you wish on the drive across to Kilpisjarvi from Tromso.

DAY TWO: FAT BIKING. 3 COUNTRIES, 3 STAGES, 3 PURSUITS COMMENCES!

Leaving our base in Kilpisjarvi after a big breakfast you will jump on your fat bikes and head to the frozen lake. We will ride over a lot of snow, both firm and softer stuff. We will cover some 30km by bike and whilst this might not sound far, in deep snow and in temperatures down to – 20, it will be enough! The time of year affords us much daylight and, hopefully, brilliant views. We will be supported today by our snowmobile teams, with whom we will meet up on the trail and who will refresh us with drinks and snacks.

ACCOMMODATION: Back to the previous nights accommodation
MEALS: Breakfast is in the restaurant associated with the accommodation. Throughout the journey, we will provide hot and cold water from our pit stops, plus other snacks. Of course, you should also plan to bring some of your own preferred foods and snacks for the route, to ensure you have a top-up of calories available when you need it most! See below for the full spec on our ‘Pit Stops.’ Dinner is back at the restaurant.

DAY THREE: ONTO THE SKIS AND HEADING FOR CAMP

Another short drive out of the village and we’re heading out on back country skis for 21km to Lake Saanajärvi and our overnight wilderness camp. There are toilets here and classic polar expedition tunnel tents will be provided. We’ll get a camp fire going and relax telling stories and hopefully enjoying an unpolluted view of the northern lights.

ACCOMMODATION: Tents at the wilderness camp.
MEALS: Breakfast will be the usual buffet at the restaurant. The day will be punctuated with our Pit Stop service throughout the ski leg and you will carry some snacks and fluids in your day pack. See below for Pit Stop specification. Provide your own freeze-dried expedition meal for dinner, hot water will be provided.

DAY FOUR: SNOWSHOEING BACK TO KILPISJARVI

We set off today in snow shoes and set our sights on the summit of the mighty Saana, the mountain which dominates the skyline above the village of Kilpisjarvi. It’s 21km on the cards today to the 3 nations cairn for our glorious finishline, before an exhilarating snowmobile transfer back to Kilpisjarvi to celebrate a job well done.

ACCOMMODATION: Twin Bedrooms, Kilpisjarvi.
MEALS: Provide your own breakfast, hot water is available.. The day will again be punctuated with our Pit Stop service and you will carry some snacks and fluids in your day pack. See below for Pit Stop specification. Dinner is back in the restaurant for one last time enjoyed with a few beers to toast your achievements in the Arctic Circle.

DAY FIVE: RETURN TO TROMSO

After a final breakfast in the restaurant, we will hit the road and head back to Tromso , aiming to arrive back into Tromso City Centre at 12pm. This is where the itinerary will end and you are free to fly out or stay around a while in this beautiful city. If you choose to fly home the same day, we recommend booking flights after 3pm.

ACCOMMODATION: NA
MEALS: Breakfast provided

Our accommodation is split between the comfortable accommodation that we will utilise at Kilpisjarvi (3 nights) and a WILDERNESS CAMP at Lake Saanajarvi.

ACCOMMODATION

All accommodation is always offered on a twin room basis. The wilderness is in twin shared tunnel tents. If you are taking part on your own, you will be paired with another participant of the same sex in a twin room. If you have preferences for who you share with, you are able to specify that prior to departure on our event details form you will receive approximately 3 months out.

All of our accommodation is of a good standard. The accommodation has all been tried and tested by us on our recce trips.

MEALS

BREAKFAST

Breakfast at the accommodation is a well stocked cooked buffet, with options for everyone. For the camp, you will provide one breakfast, we can provide hot water to make porridge pots or freeze dried meals.

DINNER

At the accommodation is a good quality cooked buffet with all requested dietary needs catered for. On the camp night, you will ned to bring one freeze-dried expedition ration-style meal. Tea, coffee and water will typically be available throughout all meals. You will carry your own flask for hot drinks.

PIT STOPS

During the challenge you will have access to our snowmobile Pit Stops twice a day, on the morning of each day you will be asked to make a sandwich with supplies provided, which you will carry with you. We will provide some snacks for you to carry but we would suggest you augment this with your own favourites, including a flask of hot drink, in a day bag also. This ensures you are always self-sufficient with food and fluids.

Pit stops will typically have a minimum of the following available, this is different to our normal offering due to the temperature, conditions and practicalities. In this environment we need you to always have enough food and fluid on you at all times:

Water – Ensure you leave with water bottles and bladders filled so you have enough to get you to the next Pit Stop.
Salty snacks – such as crisps, dried fruit and peanuts, pretzels
Sweets – including local speciality sweet treats ,chocolate etc

Our Pit Stops are there to help supplement any personal sports nutrition plan you may have – if you use gels and other such products – you should plan to bring these with you. If you have any special dietary requirements, then please also plan for this and pack your kit accordingly. Rat Race aim to offer Pit Stop snacks that are tasty and functional, catering to as broad a mix of needs and diets as possible. We have options available that are suitable for vegetarian and vegan diets and availability of this will depend on demand. Rat Race cannot guarantee that the food does not contain contamination from allergens such as nuts or gluten in its preparation or serving.

Please make sure you sanitise your hands prior to eating any food. Please, please, please take care with your trash and help us in our aim of leaving these incredible islands tidier than we find them. This is even more critical in this environment, with any lost trash instantly becoming a choking hazard for the marine life we are here to admire.

The nature of an adventure is that sometimes, the uncertain becomes certain! That is all part of the adventure. Whilst we will always strive to pull off ‘Plan A,’ it may well be that for any one of a number of reasons, we cannot do so and we ned to wheel put Plan B, C or D. We do line up contingencies for many eventualities of course. But it is worth knowing that the course may change if we deem it prudent for your safety or for other operational or weather-based reasons and we must always reserve the right to do so. Ultimately our skill and judgement in organising such events is part of why you are entering, so we must be able to exercise this on your behalf where we deem it necessary. If we do have to make a route change, we will strive to inform you in good time (if that is possible). Usually, these unforeseen changes simply add to the flavour of proceedings and provide for a good story to tell at day’s end!

We are mindful that people will inevitably have varying distances to travel to get to Tromso. Our pickup is at 0900 on the 1st day of our itinerary, we would therefore recommend you arrive the night before our trip starts. Our pickup location is in the city centre, we will then have a 3 hour transfer to our remote accommodation. On return we expect to get you back to Tromso at midday, we therefore recommend you book outbound flights after 3pm if you are leaving that day. Please note, you will need to make your own way to and from the airport to Tromso City Centre, this is only a very short ride away.

We have designed this challenge so that you may travel at your own pace. See below for our notes on route-finding and guidance. There will also be some cut-offs, but in the true Rat Race tradition these will be generous and we will always look to help you to achive your goals in finishing this challenge, vs having to pull out. Of course, we will give you some early starts to allow the very best possible window for route completion. But, if you need us and if you need to abandon the route for whatever reason, we are there for you and can pick you up on our snowmobiles. The absolute key is that you enjoy this amazing journey through the Arctic North; at your own pace and within your own limits.

The entire route is guided and waymarked, there is not need for you to navigate with your own device.

We will use a mixture of safety staff on snowmobiles, pit stops and (where road-access is possible) support vehicles to support you at intervals by our mobile ‘pit stop’ team. So, if it does get too much, if you get injured, get too cold, need sustenance, motivational support or otherwise, we should be able to assist. You are in good hands.

In general terms, we will expect you to be fairly self-contained on each stage with a daypack, containing food and drink plus some spare clothing and emergency supplies. This will allow you to be self-sufficient for large parts of the route when you cannot access our support services. It is also good practice to be self-contained in this part of the World.

You will be transferred from Tromso to Kilpisjarvi, which is a small village in Finland and is the hub from which our adventure unfolds. Kilpisjarvi is a 3 hour drive from Tromso, allowing for time to stop and buy some food. All transfers throughout the challenge are fully inclusive within the format. At the end of the challenge, we will return to Tromso and the airport, aiming to arrive back to the airport around 12pm.

Click Buy Event Voucher Now and go through the sign up process, you’ll then be issued with an event voucher which will automatically reserve you a place in the event you have chosen.

Yes. You need a decent travel policy covering you for general travel and which covers participation in outdoor sports. You will also need what is called an Evacuation Insurance Policy, which is for if we need to send you back to the closest city for urgent medical attention via a helicopter or similar. We also recommend you have this in place as soon as you enter this event and that if you book flights, we highly recommend booking a flexible option for any last-minute changes you might need to make or to ensure you have maximum flexibility if you cannot attend for any reason.

Travel insurance is compulsory for our events, so please make sure your insurance policy covers the activities you will be participating in. There are a number of specialist providers available including Mann Broadbent.

No problem. Where we use hotels, rooms are offered on a twin / shared basis. If you wish to share with a fellow participant, you will be asked to add this information to your event participation form which we will issue you with approximately 3 months ahead of the event.

The short answer is no. The price for this event is for everything outlined on the website and it is very difficult for us to split this out. Our accommodation is based on group rates and is on a shared basis. All of our event logistics, support and organisation has been designed to have all the participants in the same locations to allow transfers, briefings etc to run smoothly and to let you bond with your fellow #ratracers!

A fat bike. This is inclusive within your entry fee.

We do recommend a very basic intro to cross-country skiing to have been completed as a minimum, but this is all. Novice skiers are very much encouraged on this event; the route is well equipped for both beginners and experienced skiers. You will get the opportunity for a 90 min guided ski lesson on arrival and you will also be provided with all equipment necessary for the ski stage.

This is of course a big challenge set over multiple winter disciplines and over multiple days. BUT the Rat Race ethos is to set extraordinary challenges for ordinary people. You do not need super-technical skills or to be a seasoned endurance athlete. It is a wonderfully varied route and the Arctic North will truly delight. You so need a good base fitness. But this route is definitely designed to be ‘doable allowing a maximum time of 10 hours per day to complete the stage. The average times range from 6-9 hours depending on ability.

We have firm emergency protocols and response systems in place whilst out on our adventures. Our main priority above all else is to keep you and our staff safe. Before we leave for each trip a comprehensive in-country risk and threat assessment has been conducted by the Head of Expeditions. All protocols are put in place relating to those assessments. We make sure that the staff involved have the highest level of first aid training; a higher level of medical cover is also put in place if needed; all instructors have qualifications and/ or competencies to match the adventure we will undertake. In the event of an emergency, Rat Race staff and appointed contractors have comprehensive knowledge of procedures which will rapidly be put in place. If needed, our staff will provide first aid and then further medical assistance and evacuation if needed in line with a published Medical Procedures Plan. We have medical back-up and Clinical Directorship provided by a specialist events medical company and we have further emergency response support services provided by competent contracted partner. All our cover is available 24/7 while operations are underway. We use our knowledge and emergency procedures to provide the best possible care in our often remote and austere environments. Before leaving on a trip, we will advise on the insurance cover you are required to have in place for the trip; we will ask for a copy of these insurance details before the departure date.

Once you’ve signed up, you will receive a confirmation email. After that, you will be kept in the loop closer to the event when we will send out our Essential Event Information approximately three months ahead of the event, detailing the full itinerary, what you need to bring and other important information relating to the specific event you have signed up for. We will also host webinars which you will be invited to (again, closer to the event), where you will have the opportunity to ask questions and go through your kit. There will be a final email one month ahead of the event, just to check you’ve completed all the important forms and are ready for the event ahead.

If you have chosen to pay in instalments, we will also contact you if any of your payments have been missed. Please ensure you regularly check your spam folders and have events@ratrace.com and noreply@ratraceentries.com added to your ‘approved / safe’ email senders.

Getting to the start line is important and we are there to help you as best we can. However, if you feel on reflection that it is just not your time yet, we do have a transfer system that you can use to transfer out, receive Rat Race credit and come back again next year or do something else. Credit is typically valid for 12 months and there is a fee to be paid for transferring out in this way. We want to be really clear that this option is there for you if you need it, but it does have a deadline. View our full terms and conditions here.

Race entry includes a brilliant finishers medal and bespoke event Rat Race tech tee. We will request your t-shirt size in the event details form 3 months ahead of the event and this will be the size you will be given at Registration.

See the 'Kit List' section. We do provide fatbike, ski gear and snowshoes as inclusive items within this event.

If you need to bail while on the bikes, we will collect you via the Sweeper vehicles or snowmobiles and move you forwards on the course (subject to medical advice if it is a medical issue that has forced you to pull out). We are unable to transport you backwards (i.e. we cannot take you back to the start). If you need to pull out where we cannot access the route with vehicles as easily, in all cases we will ask you to move (or assist you to move) to a location where we can access by vehicle, or we will evacuate with medical and/ or safety personnel if required.

There are some hills but this is not what we would call mountainous terrain. There is a lot of forest, clearly a lot of snow (!) and an abundance of frozen lakes, also.

This kit list is from our 2023 event - you will be notified of any changes to this list ahead of the event you have signed up for.

What’s the weather like?
Well, it’s most likely going to be cold and fresh. It is the Arctic after all! But it can also be sunny and clear and in the daytime, ambient temperatures typically sit around + 2 to 0 degrees. At night it will typically go down to around -10 but can also reach -20. We benefit from a good long day with plenty of daylight.

Sun protection
Whilst it is never warm, that sun will be strong. Exposed extremities such as noses, ears and lips will need good levels of sun protection. As will sunglasses andgoggles with at least Cat 3 protection.

Cold weather gear
Clearly the cold is a big issue to contend with here, but this challenge is designed so that you do not necessarily need a whole host of specialist kit. It is true you will need a good down jacket and a decent sleeping bag, rated down to a comfort level – 20°C. You can however rent these garments from the likes of www.expeditionkithire.co.uk and www.outdoorhire.co.uk or you can hire in advance to pick up at Tromso outdoors.

Bike kit
Bikes are provided so please do not plan to bring your own, this will come with a helmet but you may bring your own if you prefer. You should plan to use a small rucksack and hydration bottles as you would on the ski and shoe days. As standard, rental bikes are provided with flat pedals as you may need to hop on and off regularly you should not wear cleats. You should plan to ride in the boots you plan to snow shoe in.

Ski kit
you will be provided with a set of Back Country skis plus boots and poles. These boots have a NNN BC binding so if you have your own boots bring them along. You will wear your own clothing, as outlined below.

Snowshoes
You will be provided with a set of snowshoes and poles.

Hut and Cabin life
A significant portion of the trip will be spent in our comfy accommodation in Kilipisjarvi, plus a night in the wilderness camp. You will need a sleeping bag, a inflatable Therm-a-rest or similar and a foam roll mat for the camp. There are power outlets, TV, showers, sauna and some creature comforts at the accommodation.

Camping is a true wilderness experience and there are no amenities except a communal fire and a long-drop toilet in an outdoor privy.

Nutrition
We will insist that you have some electrolyte replacement items with you – these are invaluable to re-instating equilibrium when you are exerting yourself. Whilst it is clearly not hot, you will be getting moisture beaten out of you with the wind and the cold. Some electrolyte tablets for water and other sports nutrition is recommended just to have in your daypacks, so you are self-sufficient with items that work for you, at all times. We will also ask that you have a flask, so you can carry hot drinks with you. In the Arctic, this can be godsend when you just want a little warmth from the inside.

THE KIT LIST

Here’s a rundown. We may revise this nearer the time but this should give you a good idea at this stage.

Note: All items are mandatory, unless it says recommended, where they are, well, recommended!

General kit

Mid-ankle flexible boot (not a stiff hiking boot)
Trail running/ hiking apparel – tights or trekking trousers, technical wicking tees/ base layer, long-sleeved wicking layer, mid-layer (e.g. microfleece)
Base Insulation layer: Full length insulation next-to-skin layer (wicking fabrics advised, such as polypropylene. Silk or mesh ‘string vest’ products are also good).
Windproof and waterproof upper body and leg cover
Down jacket with a 750 fill power
Recommended: Wind stopper gilet or similar armless garment
Buff or similar neck gaiter
Balaclava plus spare (spare is for when the first one ices up with condensed air from breath)
Spare base and mid layers
Socks – liner and outer
Blister care kit
1 person bivvy bag (not survival blanket, must be a bag) – BUY ONE HERE
Personal First Aid kit – more detail to follow on exact spec nearer to event date. BUY HERE
Running day pack to carry spare clothing, bivvy bag, first aid kit, drinks, spare food. Recommended capacity 15 – 30l – BUY HERE
Hydration system: Minimum of 1.5l carrying capacity at all times. A bladder will freeze so our recommendation would be an insulated metal flask capable of carrying warm drinks plus one other bottle with plastic mouthpieces– BUY HERE
Woolly or fleece hat
Flask, - Suitable for hot drink to carry in your day bag.
Waterproof Top and Bottoms
Expedition meal x 1
Breakfast x 1

Equipment

Sleeping bag: Comfort rating to – 20°C - available to hire from Tromso Outdoors
2 Foam Roll mats or 1 roll mat and a self-inflating mattress - available to hire from Tromso Outdoors
Headtorch rated to 150 lumens minimum.
Spare batteries for headtorch
Sunglasses and goggles with Cat 3 protection
Casual clothing for use in evenings and transit stages – no formal wear required
Recommended: General trekking trousers and robust outdoor footwear, given the type of destination
Recommended: Towel – travel micro towel or full-size
Personal toiletries including any personal medication required
Recommended: Multitool or penknife
Mobile phone
Power bank for mobile phone
International plug adaptor

IF THERE ARE ANY CHANGES FOR THE EVENT THIS WILL BE COMMUNICATED IN THE PRE-EVENT DOCUMENTATION

Carrying this kit is a requirement of the Event and forms part of our planning in ensuring reasonable measures are put in place to keep you safe should anything go wrong during this adventurous endeavour. We ask you not to take short cuts or ‘second guess’ our advice. For instance, the carrying of waterproofs is required even if rain or snow is not forecast as a means to prevent cooling down too fast if you get injured in a location that is very exposed to wind or extreme cold – remember you may be very tired and sweaty, and who says the forecast is always right? In the Arctic, being prepared is key. It is therefore important that you carry the mandatory kit at all times.

The emergency kit is important for several reasons:

1. It helps you to help yourself should you have a problem.

2. We are in this together and you may need to assist others if they have a problem.

3. In the case of an incident our Event Control and safety teams will make decisions based on the knowledge that you all have this equipment.

4. Carrying the kit is a requirement for everyone and hence provides an equal and fair challenge.

5. It is part of our risk assessment process that is shared with insurers. Your insurance may be invalid if you do not follow our advice.

6. If your lack of kit preparation contributes to making an incident more serious, then you may be avoidably drawing resources from our medical team and the emergency services at the expense of others.

7. Without the kit you will be unable to complete registration. If during the race you are not carrying the mandatory kit then you will be disqualified and deemed to have not completed the challenge.

Bags

There are 2 bags to be considered for this journey.

1.) General ‘overnight’ bag (recommended: Holdall or duffel) for spare and general kit. Please go for a MAXIMUM size of around 90 litres and no more than approx 23kg pls. This bag will go forward on each stage and will be available when you get to the overnight location, each night. So you will not see this bag during the day, until you arrive at those locations. We will store it for you while you are on the route.

2.) Daypack or running vest. This is the bag you will carry with you when you are on all stages. It should contain the mandatory kit, spare clothes, food and water plus your hot drinks flask. We recommend 15l – 30l size range.

TRAINING

For an undertaking of this nature, where we are clearly talking multiple winter sports, (some of which you may not be used to or can practise freely in your home country), the training should reflect the task at hand in terms of the mirroring of these disciplines, as much as possible. Remember, it is not a race. Set yourself up with a good base fitness and plan for success in doing the distance and being on your feet.

Bike
Get out on the bike for some long rides, but consistency is best. Get out whenever you can and don’t worry too much on the distance. Time in the saddle is key. Make sure you seek out some hills, too and make sure you are training on and off road. On-road is fine for general biking conditioning. But there is no substitute for off-road riding to train for off-road riding. Of course, riding on snow may be hard to practise if you have no snow. But you can just ride off-road and build up that conditioning. These skills will transfer to the fat bike no problem.

Ski stage
The best way to train for the skiing is to go and do some cross-country skiing. In terms of fitness however, any sort of cross training will help – biking, running, trekking, or perhaps a few session on the cross-trainers you find in pretty much all gyms these days.

We would recommend Scandinavia in general. There are typically excellent networks of cross-country ski trails all over Finland, Sweden and Norway. You can fly to Oslo and be on the trails the same day, using public transport from the city to get there. Or fly to Oslo, take the train to Lillehammer and enjoy wonderful trails over a long weekend, for example.

Snow shoeing
You will be trekking in showshoes, you cannot run. For the training in all cases, time on your feet will be the key to nailing the snowshoeing. Practise your nutrition, practise in differing conditions and with differing clothing. And makes sure you seek out some hills and forests. If you don’t live in a hilly area, seek out some mini weekend trips that take you up some mountains perhaps. The terrain isn’t mega steep where we are going, but hills just make you stronger on your feet. It is a general conditioning point more than anything.

Ultimately, our advice for something like this is to go at your own pace and do several hours of exercise for 3 back to back days. The important thing is – don’t worry too much – we are there to support you. Get yourself to the start line in a decent condition and you’ll get it done. That is the Rat Race way.

FAT BIKES

The optimum machine for this route is a ‘fatbike.’ These are mountain bikes with wider-than-normal tyres – typically 4” or 5”. You will encounter soft and hard-packed snow and the fatbike is the only machine that can ‘float’ over these surfaces.

You will be asked for your height in order for us to procure the correct size for you. In all cases, your entry includes fatbike rental for the day we will spend on the bikes.

CROSS COUNTRY SKIING

The cross-country trails we will use will be suitable for ‘skating’ or ‘classic’ cross-country skiing and if you have your own equipment, you may select either. If you don’t have any equipment (and if you are not really sure what the difference is) don’t worry either! Included in your entry is the rental of standard ‘classic’ cross-country skiing equipment. This is the easiest form of cross-country skiing and consists of a groomed track where your skis slot into 2 parallel grooves, not dissimilar to a train track. The motion is pleasant and you will be able to cover good distances as you glide silently through the forest.

The route we will use is designed to cater to those who ‘can ski’ and those who are really not too au fait with this gear.

And even then, if you really do not want to ski, you can substitute this day with another day on the snowshoes, if you wish.

SNOWSHOEING

This is a great fun and the snowshoe is by far the best tool for the job of navigating the fluffy deep white stuff through the likes of forests and deep snowfields. You will be provided with a set of snowshoes and poles.

Pricing

PAY IN INSTALMENTS

£237.67

/ PER MONTH. DEPENDING ON DEPARTURE

INTEREST FREE!

PAY IN FULL

£3250

/ TOTAL PAYMENT

All prices are in GBP. An admin fee of 2.99% will be added to all payments. Your first payment is your Registration Fee .

PAY MONTHLY INTEREST FREE!

ENTER NOW AND SPREAD THE COST INTEREST FREE WITH OUR INSTALMENT PLAN

We’ve put together a fantastic new instalment plan that allows you to choose how many months you want to spread the cost of this brilliant adventure over. You can pay it off all in one go or spread it over as many months as you like, totally interest free*. The payments will be split equally allowing you to budget and plan for this stunning journey. All payments to be made before December the year before the event.

*When you sign up to the instalment plan Rat Race will then set up a reoccurring payment and your card will be debited on the same date each month. If there is an error with your payment you will receive reminders from Stripe, our payment provider, and also the Rat Race customer service team. After 3 attempts to contact you if the outstanding balance remains unpaid we will assume you wish to cancel your entry and will withdraw you from the event and you will not be eligible to enter our transfer process and no monies will be refunded.

Please see here for full terms and conditions and our cancellation policy.

WHERE YOUR MONEY GOES

At Rat Race, we create extraordinary adventures for everyone people. We know we’re a premium brand and that those adventures are premium experiences. In our 20th year, we have decided that our commitment to investment in our standards, safety and quality of experience should be matched in our commitment to the transparency in showing how we spend your hard-earned cash in bringing these adventures to life.

So here it is. A pie chart of how we spend your money in bringing our events and trips to life.

PROTECT YOUR NON-REFUNDABLE BOOKING WITH REFUND PROTECT

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 check the full list of qualifying unforeseen circumstances that are protected please click here to view Refund Protect terms and conditions.

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.

Amazing Arctic Adventure: What an incredible experience! My first trip to the Arctic and my first Rat Race Adventure. The event was expertly organised down to the last detail and we were all kept fully informed with detailed safety briefings before each days activities. I cannot praise the team highly enough for not only how well they looked after us all but how they worked as a team. The event was challenging but manageable with encouragement always offered from the team to give you a boost. The scenery and surrounding were out of this world. The accommodation and food was really good. The camping night was definitely character building but to absolutely be embraced as part of the experience. The guides were outstanding and all the kit we used was extremely good quality. I have memories to last a lifetime and am already planning my next adventure!!

Katie

March 2024

This journey to the Arctic Circle was a well organized adventure, a testament to the meticulous planning required for multi-disciplinary events, especially in a realm where temperatures plunge to the point of freezing balaclavas and hydration packs solid. Amidst these challenging and harsh weather conditions, the exceptional care and attention provided by Rob and team not only made the daunting challenge feasible but also enjoyable.The camping experience was 100% character building, but balanced by the warmth of an open fire in the wilderness hut where we toasted marshmallows and shared some beers. The other nights that were spent in the cabin were comfortable and the food was outstanding!This expedition struck a perfect balance between “type 2 fun” that tests your limits and the well-deserved rewards that follow. It was a beautifully blend of adventure and hospitality that left us with unforgettable memories and a deep appreciation for the rugged beauty of the Arctic Circle.

Emily

March 2024

TRIP REPORT // 04.04.2022

TRIP REPORT // 17.03.2023

TRIP REPORT // 17.03.2023

Leanne skiing in the Rat Race Arctic Circle Adventure

ARCTIC CIRCLE 2022 - WEEK TWO: BY DARREN TWELVETREE

The views were so spectacular and clear during the start of the day and I could see a very large snow storm off in the distance. However this was the way I was travelling and the surreal view over the coming hours as the weather approached...

ARCTIC CIRCLE 2023

BY TRAVELLING TALES

The views were jaw dropping so there was absolutely no way we were able to catch up on any sleep. Our eagle eyes were gifted a sighting of dolphins frolicking in the inky, ice lake as if the scenery needed to get any better.

ARCTIC CIRCLE 2023

BY LEANNE SPENCER

You might be thinking 20-25km is not a long way but don’t be fooled: the terrain is anything but flat and the conditions are unforgiving. All in all, it was a phenomenal experience and hats off to all competitors and organisers for a thrilling event.

READ THE FULL REPORT HERE

Charity

RAISE AT LEAST £5000 (EXCLUDING GIFT AID) FOR CHILDREN WITH CANCER UK AND GET £2500 OF YOUR ENTRY FEE REFUNDED!

Our longstanding partnership with Children with Cancer UK gives #ratracers the opportunity to raise much needed funds for this great cause in exchange for a refund of their entry fee. So far our #ratracers have raised over £2million for Children with Cancer UK and we would love for you to join the team to help us chase down that £3million target!

The funds you raise will be invested into vital specialist research to improve survival rates in children and young people and help more of them ring the end of treatment bell.

All you need to do is set up a Just Giving page here and start your fundraising! You will have until 1 month after the event date to hit your target and then send us the link to your page which will allow us to process your refund. Refunds will be made 2 – 3 months after the event completion date.

Refunds are not mandatory you are welcome to opt-out of receiving a refund. Should participants opt-out their refund will instead be used by Children with Cancer UK to help fund their research.

If you choose to support Children with Cancer UK and raise £5000, you will also receive: