Join us for a virtual winter race

We are the Wild Winter Women, a group of winter enthusiasts from all walks of life who relish the challenge of running, skiing, and cycling in cold and snowy environments. Like many folks, 2020 has heightened the challenge with race cancellations, travel restrictions, and efforts to stay socially distanced and safe. The recent cancellation of the Tuscobia Winter Ultra prompted us to put together this loosely organized virtual race. 

The idea is simple: Pick a date or several between Dec. 18 and Jan. 3 to celebrate Winter Solstice, the Holidays, New Years, or a not-so-fond farewell to the year 2020. Sign up for one of three designated distances: 50 kilometers, 80 miles, or 160 miles. Or, if you have something else in mind, let us know what distance you're aiming for in the "choose your own adventure" category. Everyone will choose their own course — snowy and wintry are preferred, but not required. Once you complete the distance, send your results. If you'd like, please submit a race report and/or photos to include on this site, so we can all enjoy each other's adventures.

E-mail jillhomer@gmail.com with your location, intended distance, and mode of travel. The roster will be posted here:

Wild Winter Way roster

This is more of a group event than a race. If you want to run a road 5K, that's fine, and if you want to ride a fat bike 300 kilometers across the Canadian Arctic, that's amazing, too. The set distances are for those who'd like to challenge their times next to others doing the same, but we also recognize that conditions and courses will vary wildly. 

The only rules are to be safe and have as much fun as possible (Type 2 and Type 3 fun are wonderful too, believe me.) There is no required gear. Take what you need. If you're setting out to recreate a race that was canceled or deferred, then gearing up as you would for that race would be ideal. It's fine to provide your own support in the form of crews or pacers, but self-support is a rewarding challenge as well. If you're a runner challenging the 160-mile distance and pulling a sled with all of your supplies, big kudos to you! We appreciate that everyone has their own challenge to pursue. 

There are no prizes, but we hope to have some swag for participants. I will send one of my books to anyone who submits a race report. The books are listed here.