Kick start your running year with the the 60° North Run challenge
The 60° North Run challenge may be just what you need to get out the door in chilly January
A virtual running challenge can be the perfect kick-in-the-pants you need to get out the door through the cold, dark days of the new year. The 60° North Run challenge not only inspires runners to stay active during the winter but also creates a supportive community, fosters goal-setting and encourages the exploration of Canada’s winter wonderland–all while supporting some meaningful causes. Here’s how it works, and why you should give it a try.
What is the 60° North Run?
It can be particularly hard to stay active outdoors during Canada’s chilly winters, and the 60° North Run challenge strives to help runners beat that. With (virtual) distances of 60 km, 120 km and 180 km (over the month of January) to choose from, runners can stretch their limits while still choosing a distance tailored to their experience level. Runners can upload their tracking data manually to the website, or sync activities from their watch.
Why 60°? Unofficially, anything above the earth’s 60th parallel is considered the “true north,” the race website explains. “In Canada, the 60th parallel is the mainland boundary between the northern territories of Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut to the north, and the western provinces of B.C., Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba to the south,” it says. More than 40 per cent of Canada’s total area is located above the 60th parallel.
Participants also will receive a medal, a neck-gaiter and stickers, all designed to reflect the chilly nature of the challenge. This year’s medal features the Arctic fox, an animal known for its resilience and adaptability in extreme cold.
Get a jump on healthy goals
January marks the beginning of new resolutions, and the 60° North Run challenge provides the perfect opportunity for runners to set and achieve fitness goals in the first month of the year. Whether it’s reaching a specific mileage target, improving pace or simply staying consistent, the challenge serves as a motivating force to kick start a healthy and active year. Know that you’re supporting a worthy cause as you work toward your achievement–the challenge aims to raise $20,000 this year to support Polar Bears International, the CHEO Foundation and Discovery House.
Become part of the winter warrior community
Participants in the 60° North Run challenge become part of the virtual “winter warrior” community, where Canadians from coast to coast can connect and support each other. The shared goal of logging kilometres throughout the month fosters a sense of camaraderie, and runners can exchange stories and share tips and encouragement through online platforms. Individual challenges become a collective journey.
Explore our winter wonderland
The challenge encourages runners to embrace the winter landscape and explore the scenic beauty of Canada during January. From snow-covered trails to frosty urban routes, participants can turn their runs into adventures, discovering new paths and appreciating the unique charm of winter running. Focusing on the element of exploration adds an exciting twist to the challenge, motivating runners to lace up their shoes and hit the frosty roads or trails.
For more information about the 60° North Run challenge and to register (early bird pricing ends Dec. 31), head here.
Check out the latest buyer's guide:
