Our quirky Minnesota winter weather has made for challenging conditions for the cyclists, runners and skiers who will embark on the 135-mile Arrowhead Ultramarathon beginning Monday in International Falls.
Arrowhead 135: Endurance athletes prep for another extreme challenge
Forecast says cold for the ultramarathon, which begins Monday in International Falls.
January 21, 2016 at 11:15PM
![BRIAN PETERSON • brianp@startribune.com INTERNATIONAL FALLS, MN - January 31-Feb. 2nd ] The Arrowhead 135 Ultra Marathon, from International Falls to Tower Minnesota, follows the scenic and rugged Arrowhead State Snowmobile Trail and attracts some of the best ultra-athletes in the world. Competitiers can Bike, run or ski the 135 mile race that challenges the body and the mind and presents participants with some of the coldest conditions in ultra marathon racing. (IN THIS PHOTO](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/JMDW6MGDAJ6EPHUZ7ILRJHUUOQ.jpg?&w=712)
"I think the racers want good conditions. I think a lot of them want a good race. We have not had a lot of snow, so the (Arrowhead) trail won't be as groomed," said race director Ken Krueger. "The trail is going to be a challenge this year, I think. We almost skipped winter."
There are 166 cyclists, runners and skiers registered for this year's race, which runs from International Falls to Tower. Last year the weather was unusually mild, producing record times and the highest finisher rate (82 percent) the race has ever seen, Krueger said. Historically, a little more than half the racers finish.
Runner Marcus Berggren of Sweden is back to defend his title. Last year, he beat the previous record by almost three hours, finishing in 34 hours, 20 minutes.
Find more information, including the roster of racers and past coverage, at arrowheadultra.com.
Bob Timmons
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None of the boat’s occupants, two adults and two juveniles, were wearing life jackets, officials said.
