Taiwanese polar ultra-marathon runner Yanbo Chen has once again pushed his limits by successfully completing the “6633 Arctic Circle Ultra Marathon” covering a challenging 617 kilometers. This remarkable achievement made him the first Asian athlete to finish the race in its 18-year history. He held a press conference upon his return on the 9th, sharing videos and insights from his journey.
In this extreme environment of the Arctic Circle ultra marathon, Yanbo Chen endured average temperatures of minus 30 degrees Celsius for 7 days, 23 hours, and 19 minutes. Apart from conquering the 617-kilometer Arctic Circle course and achieving second place among all participants, he set a record as the first Asian athlete to complete the race in the event’s history.
Throughout the race, Yanbo Chen had to overcome severe cold, strong winds, and challenging terrains of the Arctic. He had to stay focused for long hours, sleeping only 1-3 hours per day. Despite physical and mental exhaustion, while many participants dropped out due to hypothermia, he persevered with remarkable willpower until the finish line.
The race conditions were extremely harsh, with nighttime temperatures dropping to minus 42 degrees Celsius, accompanied by strong winds and blizzards, posing even more daunting challenges. Reflecting on the race, Yanbo Chen recalled the intense difficulties he faced from the moment he moved from a small town to the starting point in the Arctic Circle, transitioning from minus 9 degrees to minus 30 degrees within 12 hours was excruciating.
Yanbo Chen admitted to being the only Asian athlete and the one most sensitive to cold, often needing to wear 3-4 layers of clothing while others wore just 2. Lacking similar training environments in Taiwan, he had to adapt on the go, both mentally and physically. He described the night of the fourth day as particularly challenging, with freezing equipment, constant shivering, and the struggle to maintain body temperature while battling physical discomfort and extreme fatigue.
Faced with such adversities, Yanbo Chen recounted moments of fear and self-doubt during the race, questioning his ability to continue. However, he found the strength to press forward, realizing the importance of perseverance and mental fortitude in such extreme conditions. After a period of frustration and self-recrimination, he calmed himself down and focused on moving forward step by step.
Prior to the race, Yanbo Chen underwent rigorous training to prepare for the polar environment, including adapting to the cold climate, building snow shelters, making fires, and managing survival challenges in sub-zero temperatures. He emphasized the meticulous preparation required for a 617-kilometer endurance challenge, aiming to face the obstacles with peak physical condition and strategic planning.
Given the extreme conditions of the race, with temperatures hovering around -30°C continuously, the risk of frostbite was ever-present. Carrying a 25-kilogram load of supplies, limited food, and water, Yanbo Chen lost 8 kilograms by the time he reached the finish line. He stressed the difficulties of managing food, water, rest, survival, cold, clothing, and equipment moisture in such extreme cold.
As the days passed and the kilometers accumulated, Yanbo Chen faced the challenge of balancing calorie consumption with available sustenance. Faced with exhaustion and sleep deprivation, he often struggled to replenish what his body burned in energy, realizing the vital importance of rest, recovery, and nutrition in maintaining health under extreme conditions.
Reflecting on the journey, Yanbo Chen expressed gratitude for the support and encouragement he received, noting the significance of pushing boundaries and inspiring others to pursue their dreams despite obstacles. He highlighted the transformative power of adventure and resilience in turning challenges into growth opportunities, a lesson he hopes to carry forward in life.
Following his return to Taiwan, Yanbo Chen plans to rest briefly before resuming training and hosting the 12th annual “Run for Dream” campus public lectures, which have already reached 312 schools, influencing numerous young students. He aims to impart the spirit of adventure and pursuing dreams to a wider audience, with plans to participate in a 250-kilometer race in Europe in September. As the press conference concluded, many dignitaries, fans, and sponsors gathered to celebrate his achievements and inspire more individuals to bravely chase their dreams and surpass their perceived limitations.