Military dream team assemble in Sweden to prepare for epic Arctic Circle ultramarathon
A military 'dream team' have taken their training to Sweden ahead of one of the toughest races in the world, a 10-day, 500-kilometre ultramarathon in the Arctic Circle.
Military legends, adventurers and TV personalities, Jason 'Foxy' Fox, Aldo Kane, Military Cross holder Brian Wood and Karl Hinett launched their campaign last year and have been getting to grips with skills and drills, in association with SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity.
The epic Arctic adventure aims to shine a spotlight on mental health in the military.
Their self-supported ultra-challenge trek – Project Fire and Ice – will see the team take on a 500km unsupported Arctic expedition through the snow and ice of Swedish Lapland dragging sledges containing all of their equipment and supplies needed to complete the challenge.
One of those preparing to take on the physical and psychological challenge of epic proportions is former British Army soldier Karl Hinett.
"We've all been through our own challenges, people out there have been through their own challenges," he told BFBS Forces News.
"We just want to demonstrate and show that with teamwork and a good group of mates around you, you can challenge yourself.
"It doesn't have to be 500km through the Arctic, but you can challenge yourself."
Former soldier and military cross winner Brian Wood has called this his biggest challenge to date.
"I've not done anything in the extreme cold before so I've had to dial in and focus and listen to what I'm being taught," he said.
The former soldier added: "Also, I've got some really strong good people around me who have been in these conditions."
The team have been getting to grips with skills and drills while in Sweden, which has included navigating in whiteout conditions and setting up camp. They will begin the unsupported 10-day trek across the harsh terrain of Swedish Lapland in March.
They will have to endure extreme conditions dragging sleds loaded with equipment and supplies they will need to survive.
The Arctic Ultra route is divided into two loops.
Both start and finish in the small town of Överkalix and will take them through lakes, rivers, and forests.
The first loop is 185km (115 miles) and the second is 315km (195 miles) with checkpoints scattered along the way for medical checks, hot drinks and food.
"With the way the environment is, and the weather systems that hit northern Sweden, that's what is going to be the real challenge," Jason 'Foxy' Fox, a former Royal Marine Commando, SBS sergeant and now TV personality, said.
"The temperature fluctuation and also the potential for snow, ice and then if it gets a little too warm, I hope not, but if it does it's going to thaw and we are going to be in serious slushy wet stuff and it's going to be grim," he added.
The four veterans are racing to raise awareness around mental health and aim to raise £100,000 for the Armed Forces charity SSAFA.
You can show your support for the Project Fire and Ice Team by making a donation to the team's fundraising page here.
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