A digital operating problem might be the proper kick-in-the-pants you should get out the door by way of the chilly, darkish days of the brand new yr. The 60° North Run problem not solely conjures up runners to remain lively in the course of the winter but in addition creates a supportive neighborhood, fosters goal-setting and encourages the exploration of Canada’s winter wonderland–all whereas supporting some significant causes. Right here’s the way it works, and why it is best to give it a strive.

What’s the 60° North Run?

It may be significantly arduous to remain lively open air throughout Canada’s chilly winters, and the 60° North Run problem strives to assist runners beat that. With (digital) distances of 60 km, 120 km and 180 km (over the month of January) to select from, runners can stretch their limits whereas nonetheless selecting a distance tailor-made to their expertise stage. Runners can add their monitoring information manually to the web site, or sync actions from their watch.

Why 60°? Unofficially, something above the earth’s sixtieth parallel is taken into account the “true north,” the race web site explains. “In Canada, the sixtieth parallel is the mainland boundary between the northern territories of Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut to the north, and the western provinces of B.C., Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba to the south,” it says. Greater than 40 per cent of Canada’s whole space is situated above the sixtieth parallel.

Individuals additionally will obtain a medal, a neck-gaiter and stickers, all designed to replicate the chilly nature of the problem. This yr’s medal options the Arctic fox, an animal identified for its resilience and flexibility in excessive chilly.

Get a leap on wholesome targets

January marks the start of recent resolutions, and the 60° North Run problem offers the proper alternative for runners to set and obtain health targets within the first month of the yr. Whether or not it’s reaching a selected mileage goal, enhancing tempo or just staying constant, the problem serves as a motivating pressure to kick begin a wholesome and lively yr. Know that you just’re supporting a worthy trigger as you’re employed towards your achievement–the problem goals to lift $20,000 this yr to help Polar Bears Worldwide, the CHEO Basis and Discovery Home.

Develop into a part of the winter warrior neighborhood

Individuals within the 60° North Run problem turn out to be a part of the digital “winter warrior” neighborhood, the place Canadians from coast to coast can join and help one another. The shared purpose of logging kilometres all through the month fosters a way of camaraderie, and runners can alternate tales and share suggestions and encouragement by way of on-line platforms. Particular person challenges turn out to be a collective journey.

Discover our winter wonderland

The problem encourages runners to embrace the winter panorama and discover the scenic great thing about Canada throughout January. From snow-covered trails to frosty city routes, contributors can flip their runs into adventures, discovering new paths and appreciating the distinctive appeal of winter operating. Specializing in the component of exploration provides an thrilling twist to the problem, motivating runners to lace up their sneakers and hit the frosty roads or trails.

For extra details about the 60° North Run problem and to register (early chicken pricing ends Dec. 31), head right here.