Northern Lights Ultra
Peel River, Canada • 18-22 Mar 2026
Event overview
The Northern Lights Ultra is a five-day, multi-stage foot or ski race held along the frozen Peel River in Canada’s Northwest Territories. The event dates are 18–22 March 2026. The full route covers 290 km (listed as 180 miles) and runs north toward Aklavik and Inuvik, skirting the Richardson Mountains. Night stops are camped on the course and participants may see the Northern Lights. Organizers note ambient temperatures can fall to around -44°C.
Format and route
The race is staged over five consecutive days and can be completed on foot or on skis. The route follows frozen river and ice-road terrain through Arctic wilderness and includes remote camping between stages. The course direction progresses northward toward the communities of Aklavik and Inuvik.
Entry and fee information
The published entry fee for the full Northern Lights Ultra is £1,500. Payment can be made in full or by deposit using Partial.ly with a chosen payment plan. Full payment is due by 5 January 2026.
Northern Lights Marathon option
A separate marathon-stage option is available on one of the stages. This marathon takes place along ice roads and is presented as an opportunity for others to run part of the route and to support participants in the full ultra. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.