In crazy conditions, Aaron Crook won the 6633 Arctic Ultra

Against remarkable odds and in temperatures that dropped to −42°C, Adelaide endurance racer Aaron Crook was the first to complete Canada's 6633 Arctic Ultra – surprising even himself!

Over seven gruelling days, he slept just 11 hours in total, snatching naps and microsleeps on the sled he dragged the entire way. 

With unwavering grit and a selection of mantras that we’re taking inspo from, Aaron pushed through hallucinations, severe frostbite and exhaustion.

In doing so, he raised $26,500 for the Sebastian Foundation and the Adelaide Crows Foundation, both of which support Open Parachute: a mental health initiative for school students.

As one of Aaron's proud sponsors, we checked in with him post-race.

Freely: How are you feeling? What is it like being home with your family again? 

Aaron: For the most part, I'm feeling fine. I'm not as strong or as fit as I was, but I'm confident with time I'll get that back.

My left ankle is still huge from the injury mid-race and I have done nerve damage in my right heel as a result of the sole in my shoe collapsing with about 200km to go.

I'm so happy to be home with the family. There is nowhere in the world I would rather be.

Freely: What was it like when you first arrived to Yukon? 

Aaron: I was blown away by the beauty of the landscape. Snow as far as the eye could see with stunning blue skies.

Freely: What was your thought process every day? 

I relied on mantras heavily during the race. The first was Who do I love? Josie, James and Lize. The second, I'm not leaving Canada without finishing this race. The third, If I finish early, it’s because the race director has pulled me out. Four, Finish or frostbite. Five, I can endure nine days of misery; this too shall pass.

Freely: What were the greatest difficulties you faced? 

Aaron: The sheer distance and the inability to stop and rest. The weather meant that stopping would result in serious harm, so I had no choice but to keep moving.

Freely: Were there moments where you didn’t think you’d complete the race? 

Aaron: No, I knew that if the decision was in my hands, finishing was inevitable.

Freely: What was the most memorable part of the experience? 

Aaron: In all honesty, the experience in its entirety is something I will cherish for the rest of my life. If I had to pick one unique moment, it would be the ice bath and sauna by the frozen lake in Whitehorse.

Freely: Any plans for another endurance challenge? 

Aaron: Not at this stage but who knows. Maybe Freely and I can continue to collaborate in the future on more epic adventures!

Hero image 📸 6633 Arctic Ultra