Victory in the cold: Pilutaq wins the Ice Marathon Uummannaq

Pilutaq Berthelsen, an extreme athlete from Ilulissat, raced to victory at this year's Ice Marathon in Uummannaq, which was held on Saturday, March 21.

The Arctic race featured very harsh conditions, with the cold and soft snow making the route extra challenging for the participants.

- The temperature was around minus 30 degrees, and the snow was soft, which made it difficult to run. It has been a tough ride. But when I reached the finish line, I was met with touching reactions from people in Uummannaq, who wished me congratulations. Nuan!, Pilutaq Berthelsen tells AG.

The cold left its clear mark on the race.

- My gloves froze, and later I found out that my ring finger had been frozen. My chin and the skin around my eyes were also frozen, he says.

Despite the harsh conditions, he describes the experience as both good and memorable.

- It was a really good and nice feeling to reach the finish line after such a hard race. The route was fantastic, and along the way I saw dog sleds and fishermen fishing on the ice. The entire race was surrounded by Uummannaq's breathtaking nature and beautiful mountains, which made the experience very special, says Pilutaq Berthelsen.

The experienced runner has had an interest in running since childhood.

Pilutaq Berthelsen has been running since he was 12 years old, and he is no stranger to the Ice Marathon in Uummannaq. He also won the race the last time it was held in 2024.

- It wasn't as cold back then, and the snow was harder, which made it easier to run. Last year there was no ice either, so we ran on asphalt and around the lake. This year the conditions were completely different, and that made the race more demanding, he says.

The race was divided into both a half marathon and a full marathon, and it was on the longest distance that Pilutaq Berthelsen secured first place.