Nathan To Race In The Arctic Circle

I have a wild dream for 2019.

[Lofoten Scenery]

The Ultra-Trail Lofoten  is a 100-mile ultramarathon in the Lofoten Islands of northern Norway. Lofoten is 350 miles north of the arctic circle; a latitudinal equivalent being Barrow, the northern most town in Alaska! 

Ultra-Trail Lofoten (UTL) is held on May 31st, 2019. Entrants run through seaside mountains, breathtaking meadows and unforgiving scree fields. Offering minimal outside support or aid, UTL demands that each runner be smart and self-sufficient. They must carry nearly all gear and nutrition on their person for the entire 100-mile journey. Taking place in the Norwegian summer, runners experience the "midnight sun" - 20 hours of daylight!

[The Start of Lofoten Ultra-Trail]

More About The Race:

Runners are shuttled by boat from the iconic village of Reine to Kirkefjorden, where only a single human lives - Oddvar Berntsen. It has become tradition that Oddvar sees the runners off from the starting line penninsula. This is extremely special because it is his private land that runners cross through as they embark on their 100-mile run to Svolvaer.

[Oddvar Berntsen]

Race Results From The 2 Prior Years:

In 2017, 25 people ran UTL. 14 finished. 11 dropped out.
In 2018, 28 people ran UTL. 17 finished. 11 dropped out. 

* It appears that no American has ever competed in, or completed, the 100-mile race. I want to be the first to do so.

Nathan's Proposal:

Through my experiences with ultra-trail running, I have developed a strong awareness of my capacities - what I can and cannot do.

I know that I can train for Lofoten OR save money for Lofoten.
But what I am incapable of doing is training for Lofoten AND saving money for Lofoten.

So, within the massive puzzle that is getting my body across the finish line in Svolvaer, the limiting factor is less physical, more financial. I know how to prepare my body and mind for their best efforts; to stand ready at that starting line in Kirkefjorden and have Oddvar send me on my way. And at the risk of sounding bold, I think I can get fit enough to - not just to finish the race but even compete upfront for a podium spot. Audible gulp...

But I need your help to get there!

[40-80 Miles Of Run Training Each Week Before Work]

It is beyond my capacity to complete the necessary training while also saving enough money for:

1. Requisite Gear — [$676]
3. Race Registration — [$464 + tax]
3. Airfare — [$998 - $1246]
4. Accommodations — [$532/6 nights]
5. Rental Car — [$675/6 days + gas]
6. Food — [$250]
7. Hidden Costs — [$300]

I am asking for your help to cover these exact costs. There may be more expenses involved, as there often are with a large undertaking. However, those costs will come out of my pocket. It is specifically these 7 components of the trip that I hope to put your support towards. There is nothing extraneous in this budget. 

My Pledge:

In return for your financial vote of confidence, I pledge that I will put my whole self in to race preparation and execution.

Many of you know me to be a shy and private person who has been outspoken about his struggles with depression. I admit, the tone I am taking with this campaign is uncharacteristic of me. With the guidance of family, friends and my amazing partner, fellow traveler and support crew, Carina, I hope not just to run Ultra-Trail Lofoten - but to race it. My wish is to be able to train while working my strenuous job as a bike courier without the constant, looming, debilitating stress of financial insecurity. If this trip becomes a possibility through your aid, come race day, I can put my best, my most calm, collected and joyful foot forward.

[36-40 Hours Or 200-300 Miles A Week On The Bike]

In 2019, I want to move past old fears and limiting beliefs; to dig deeper than I ever have before under that Norwegian, midnight sun! This  campaign is a representation of these shifts. Stepping out of old shoes and donning new ones. Hopefully shoes with aggressive outsoles so I can float over craggy peaks and descend smooth meadow-flanked singletrack :). I hope this risky business speaks to your own projects and plans for the year. I want to hear about your goals, even if donating is not in the budget right now. Please contact me through this site. 

[Lofoten's Landscape Is Stark & Unique]

Final Note To Donors:

I want to embark on this project with you, periodically providing content along the way.

Donors will receive exclusive:

1) Documentation Of Campaign Funds
2) How-To Guide
3) Training Logs
4) Photography 
5) Poetry (oh my! what value!)
6) A Pre- & Post-Race Report.

My aim is that, through this adventure, through sharing my running with a larger community, we can rally around a crazy idea, chart my progress together and carry the first American across that finish line in Svolvaer! 




Thanks for your considerations. If a financial donation is not in the budget, just simply thank you for reading and being engaged.

Please share this dreamy nonsense with your friends!

- Nathan Toben