Search

RUN247 / Running News / Ultramarathon News / Reiterberger overcomes fluctuating temperatures to win Montane Lapland Arctic Ultra

Reiterberger overcomes fluctuating temperatures to win Montane Lapland Arctic Ultra

Jonathan Turner
News Director
Updated on

While the focus right now is on the build-up to the Barkley Marathons, another brutally difficult event has just finished, with Germany’s Florian Reiterberger emerging triumphant in the Montane Lapland Arctic Ultra.

It’s one of the world’s toughest races and takes place in some of the most extreme and hostile conditions on the planet.

But this year the challenging conditions were a result of unusually warm weather, with the high temperatures causing the surface to turn wet and soft – far from ideal for travelling the long distances.

Advertisement

How far is the Lapland Arctic Ultra?

The event had two routes on offer – a shorter 185km route and the full 500km route, both starting from the small town of Överkalix, in the Swedish province of Norbotten, heading to the north and then back again to Överkalix, crossing the Arctic Circle twice.

The 500km route then undertook a second 315km loop, travelling across rivers, lakes and through forests. Entrants had the choice to compete either by foot, ski or fat bike.

And despite the conditions, it was an event to remember for Reiterberger on a fat bike who claimed his second victory in the event after winning the 2022 race.

He stopped the clock in Överkalix in a time of 122 hours, 7 minutes, which was faster than his winning time in 2022 and over 20 hours ahead of joint runners-up Mathieu Bonnier and Thierry Corbarieu, who crossed the finish line hand-in-hand. Mathieu completed the event on ski, while Thierry completed the event on foot, meaning that the podium consisted of the three different disciplines.

Advertisement

How the race panned out

Reiterberger started off slowly, with the soft trails forcing him to push his bike over long distances. However, lowering temperatures caused the surface to harden, allowing him to pick up his pace. This, combined with his ability to go for days with only short breaks, saw him soon take the lead and he never looked back.

montane lapland arctic ultra 2024 photo credit Montane
[Photo credit: Montane]

Elsewhere, the shorter, 185km route was won by Guy Belchier, who completed the race on foot. He crossed the finish line at Överkalix in a time of 46 hours, 5 minutes.

Montane Lapland Arctic Ultra 2024 final results

500km

  • 1. Florian Reiterberger (GER), Fatbike – 122 hours, 7 minutes
  • 2= Mathieu Bonnier (FRA), Ski – 142 hours, 37 minutes
  • 2= Thierry Corbarieu (FRA), Foot – 142 hours, 37 minutes

     185km

    • 1. Guy Belchier (UK), Foot – 46 hours, 5 minutes
    • 2. Steve Bentley (UK), Foot – 52 hours, 18 minutes
    • 3. Marc Frantzen (GER), Foot – 58 hours, 52 minutes
    Jonathan Turner
    Written by
    Jonathan Turner
    Jonathan Turner is News Director for both TRI247 and RUN247, and is accustomed to big-name interviews, breaking news stories and providing unrivalled coverage for endurance sports.  

    Latest Running News

    Kilian Jornet third at Western States 2025
    ‘The sport has grown, but it’s the same spirit’ – GOAT Kilian Jornet on Western States then and now
    John Kelly start Barkley Marathons 2023 photo credit: Davidmillerphotography_ on Instagram
    John Kelly’s Appalachian Trail FKT attempt is over – but the bigger goal is within sight
    Abby Hall wins 2024 Ultra-Trail Kosciuszko by UTMB 100km title [Photo credit: Tim Bardsley-Smith | UTMB]
    Western States 100-mile Endurance Run 2025 women’s results: Abby Hall crowns fairytale comeback
    Caleb Olson wins Western States 2025
    Western States 100-mile Endurance Run 2025 men’s results: Life-changing win for Caleb Olson
    Run 247 Breaking News
    WATCH AGAIN: Western States 2025 as Hall and Olson claim memorable successes
    trail running on your terms

    Never miss out with our trail alerts & digest. Get a dose of adventure & inspiration with Boundless.

    The 247 Group

    The home of endurance sports

    Share to...