Rob Youngren has tackled some of the toughest and most popular trail endurance events, from Western States and Badwater to multiple Barkley “Fun Run” finishes and the (former) fastest known time to complete the 335-mile Pinhoti Trail. A return to Alaska for the 1,000-mile Iditarod Trail Invitational fits perfectly into his storied resume.
Youngren began the journey Feb. 26 at 2 p.m. at the starting point, Knik Lake near Anchorage, after departing Huntsville three days earlier. In 2021, he completed the ITI 350, the event’s 350-mile trek, in 204 hours, 18 minutes. He’s in the “foot” discipline, one of three that includes biking and skiing.
Competitors are tracked by Spot Event Tracking satellite trackers, which provide updates every five minutes. This is done for safety, obviously, but also so loved ones and friends can monitor progress. Youngren’s wife, Kathy, also an accomplished ultrarunner, will be able to communicate with him periodically thanks to a satellite phone.
Youngren, who lives in Owens Cross Roads east of Huntsville, can be tracked here. All competitors can be tracked here.
About the Iditarod Trail Invitational
According to ITI officials, the event is the worlds’ longest-running winter ultramarathon.
They describe it as “One of the most challenging experiences on the planet, participants brave extreme physical, environmental and mental challenges as they travel along the historic Iditarod Trail on bicycle, foot or skis. Requiring self-sufficiency and the considerable resilience to make it through up to 30 frozen days and nights, the Iditarod Trail Invitational has built its reputation on notoriously inhospitable conditions and minimal outside support.”
Whether on foot, bike or skis, competitors must navigate through the Alaskan wilderness during its harshest time of the year. It follows the Iditarod Trail from Knik Lake to McGrath in the state’s interior and then to Nome. The trail was an important travel lifeline heavily utilized between 1880-1920 during the Alaska Gold Rush.
But, How?
Aside from being in top physical shape, competitors must be acutely focused and mentally prepared for anything along the long route. One mistake or lapse in attention could be costly. The route is unmarked.
We’ve seen “reality” shows on television and thought, “How the heck can they do that?” Better question: “Why?”
First, the how. Meticulous planning is critical, from every ounce of kit taken on the trip to the sled used to haul everything.
Clothing must be warm and waterproof, able to shrug off the weather. When the ITI started Feb. 26, it was sunny and about 20 degrees in Anchorage, with a “feels like” temp of about 10 degrees. On Monday, temps were to be 11 degrees with the “feels like” of -4 degrees. Snow? Of course. Wind of 5-8 mph doesn’t sound like much, but in those temps it’s another factor to consider.
Food must be highly nutritious but you also want things that are somewhat easy to eat. Heating anything requires a fire or stove and fuel, which means more weight in the kit. But one upside is checkpoints along the way offer food and beverages. Competitors also may send drop bags to be put in certain areas, and ITI compeititors also can mail things to themselves to villages along the route.
Now, the “Why?” Because it’s there.
Youngren has tackled some of the toughest ultras around, along with some local ones including Mountain Mist. He dives into a fun 5K now and then. For the next few weeks he’ll be trying to add another cool thing to his list of accomplishments.
