A Grueling Challenge Awaits: 22 Runners Set for Nuuk-Kap Extreme Race
This morning at 6 a.m., 22 determined individuals broke free from the confines of Nuuk’s prison, racing toward Kapisillit as participants in the Nuuk-Kap extreme race. This year’s event boasts a record number of participants, as noted by the Greenland Arctic Explorers, the organization behind the race.
Among the brave souls is Mara Krebs, who we had the opportunity to interview just a day before the race. We followed her as she finalizes her preparations for this monumental challenge.
Packing for Success
Mara’s gear includes a shell jacket, neck warmer, lightweight gloves, running poles, a first aid kit, a mosquito net, a power bank, and an extra pair of socks—essential items for any long-distance runner. Her attire consists of running tights, a long-sleeved shirt, a slim jacket, a cap, and sunglasses. She initially included her GPS device but discovered the accompanying subscription had lapsed the day before the event.
“I thought I had all my gear sorted, but it’s always a scramble,” she said with a resigned smile. Opting for a traditional running watch and a map, she will also run alongside a colleague who carries a spot device for emergencies.
Yet, the heaviest item in her bag might surprise you—her packed lunch, designed to keep her fueled for the long trek ahead. She carries two water bottles and snack bags filled with dried fish, reindeer, fruit, sweets, and yes, even a bag of potatoes.
“I follow an ultrarunner on Instagram who swears by boiled potatoes with salt. They provide energy without weighing me down too much,” she explained. “Plus, it’s something I can actually eat.”
Leading up to the race, Mara altered her diet to focus on carbohydrates, indulging in pasta and hearty meals. On the morning of the race, she plans to have overnight oats and rolls with cheese and honey, keen to avoid a heavy stomach before setting off.
“I’ll probably be up around 3 a.m.—I doubt I’ll sleep much anyway,” she acknowledged.
Lessons Learned from Last Year
This will not be Mara’s first attempt at the Nuuk-Kap race, but it will mark her first completion. Reflecting on last year’s experience, she admits to entering with a lackadaisical attitude, expecting an easy-going jaunt. However, after grappling with the first 25-kilometer stretch over the mountains for eight grueling hours, the reality quickly set in.
“I thought it was just a fun outing. It was anything but,” she recalled. Following the second stage, she called it quits but vowed to return stronger. “Next year, I’ll be better prepared and more purposeful.”
Mara’s aim for this year is to complete the 110-kilometer route in a single day, though she knows it will be a challenge.
“The great outdoors is often a space for deep thoughts, but for me, it’s the opposite. I don’t think about everything. That’s the beauty of it,” Mara mused, adding, “I easily find myself daydreaming about totally unrealistic scenarios, like winning a million kroner.”
Purpose Behind the Race
Together with her running partner, Mara is also running to support Nanubørn, an organization that provides Christmas assistance to families with children across the nation. Among her essentials, she has tucked away a polar bear teddy bear from the charity—a small reminder of why they’re racing.
“We’ll take a look at it when we start to feel tired and say to ourselves, ‘This is why we run,’” she said, reflecting on the motivation that grounds her.
Mara practices martial arts and strength training alongside her running regime, including training hikes in the mountains. Despite their rigorous preparations, she and her partner have not managed to train together.
“I know my limits, and it will be fascinating to see how she pushes through her challenges,” she stated confidently.
With a hopeful outlook, Mara anticipates completing the race and pushing through the hardships it entails.
Stay tuned for more updates on the Nuuk-Kap race next week, when Mara takes us along her 100-kilometer journey and shares how it all unfolds amidst the breathtaking Arctic scenery.