Despite enduring hallucinations, extreme cold, and nerve damage, Adelaide’s Aaron Crook has won the 6633 Arctic Ultra, a brutal 620-kilometer race across the frozen terrain of Canada. The 41-year-old entered with hopes of simply finishing but emerged victorious after surviving -42°C temperatures, frostnip, and just 11 hours of sleep over seven days. With self-sufficient competitors carrying their own supplies, the race pushes endurance to the limit, with only five of 14 entrants managing to complete the journey. Crook’s success was largely due to his minimal sleep strategy, which allowed him to recover just enough before pushing ahead of his competitors.
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Despite winning, Crook suffered lingering effects, including loss of feeling in some fingers and disrupted sleep, often waking in a cold sweat believing he’s still on the Arctic ice. However, he raised $26,500 for youth mental health initiatives, supporting the Sebastian Foundation and Adelaide Crows Foundation. Now back in Adelaide, he’s focused on recovery and rebuilding—promising his wife there are no immediate plans for another ultra-marathon, though the resilience gained from the experience has left him mentally and physically stronger.
