An Arctic Adventure For Good
2023 EVENTS
TREK2TUK4KIDS events are meant to be non-competitive and fun!
Register for the event that best suits your interests.
TREK2TUK4KIDS 2023 events include:
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1. 5 KM Discovery Walk & Cleanup Challenge
2. 150 KM Team Relay
3. 150 KM Gran Fondo
4. 150 KM Ultra Marathon
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Discovery Walk
An ideal option for youth, families, seniors, and people who'd rather enjoy the scenery than test their strength and endurance. The 5 KM Discovery Walk includes the option to participate in a clean-up initiative, in keeping with our mandate to leave only footsteps (and joy). Connect with other explorers and locals, experience vast beauty, watch for wildlife, and leave the Western Arctic cleaner than you found it.
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The Walking/Running Relay
This 150 KM simultaneous relay consists of six 25 KM sections and requires a minimum of six team members. The relay is done simultaneously where all team members complete their 25KM section at the same time to ensure the relay is done in 8 hours. Teams can be more than 6 members, as long as someone from your team walks/runs each section. All team members will have the opportunity to walk/run the last 2-5 KM from the Tuktoyaktuk Welcome sign, through town to the Arctic Ocean sign on the Point to complete their TREK2TUK4KIDS. Participants can register as a team or register as an individual wanting to join a Team.
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The Cycling Team Relay
Hosted by the Inuvik Cycling Club, this relay consists of six 25 KM sections, however as biking is usually faster than walking the Biking Relay only requires a minimum of 2 team members. Have more than 6 team members? Several team members can bike any given section, as long as someone from your team bikes each section. All team members will have the opportunity to bike from the Tuktoyaktuk Welcome sign to the Arctic Ocean Point (7 KM) to complete their TREK2TUK4KIDS. Participants can register as a team or register as an individual wanting to join a Team.
Support will be provided for both relays at the beginning and end of each 25 KM section and a shuttle will drop participants off at their start and return participants from Tuktoyaktuk.
Ultra-Marathon Run – 150 KM
The Ultra-Marathon Run is for the entire 150 KM of the Inuvik Tuktoyaktuk Highway. To ensure the run is complete by late afternoon on the June 2nd, in time for the Finale Feast in Tuktoyaktuk, the ultra-marathon runners begin their run at 3 am on June 3rd. Runners must carry whatever water or food needed to complete the entire run. Support will be available to begin the ultra-marathon and during the run. Shuttle service will bring runners to the beginning of the run and provide a shuttle service back to Inuvik from Tuk.
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Grand Fondo Cycling Marathon – 150 KM
Cyclists choosing to register for the Grand Fondo must complete the entire 150 KM of gravel road known as the Inuvik Tuktoyaktuk Highway. Cyclists will begin the Grand Fondo at 7:30 am, Saturday June 3rd and be finished by 5 pm in Tuktoyaktuk.
Please note that accessible transportation may not be available. All adaptive riders must be able to transfer to a standard vehicle seat for ITH and community transportation. The TREK2TUK4KIDS organising committee is working to improve event accessibility, including transportation for future events.
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To register for any of the TREK2TUK4KIDS events please click the Register button below.
2023 SCHEDULE
Registration opens for TREK2TUK4KIDS
• 1 May 2023 and closes on 31 May 2023
Friday, June 2nd 2023
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Visiting Trekkers arrive no later than Friday, June 2nd 2023
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Town of Inuvik Tou fromr 3-4 pm
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East 3 School and Mangilaluk School Trekkers road event
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6-8 pm, Welcome Dinner and Cultural Showcase
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Saturday, June 3rd 2023
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Ultra-Marathon Runners start at 3 am. Pick up at 2:45 at hotels.
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7:15 am Grand Fondo Bikers meet shuttle at their hotel with bikes.
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7:30 am Grand Fondo Bikers begin.
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7:45 am Relay Trekkers and Bikers sections 4-6 are picked up at the hotels and driven to 75, 100 and 125 KM.
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8:30 am Relay Trekkers and Bikers sections 1-3 are taken to 0, 25 and 50 kms starting points.
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9:00 am Relay Trekkers and Bikers begin.
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4:00 pm all remaining Trekkers on the ITH are brought to Tuk to complete the last 2 KM of the
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Trek to the Arctic Ocean at The Point in Tuk.
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5:30 pm – Photo Op at the Arctic Ocean
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6:00 pm – Grand Finale Dinner at Mangilaluk School
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7:00 pm – TREK2TUK4KIDS Prizes, Awards and Presentations
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8:00 pm – Tuktoyaktuk Cultural Showcase
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9:00 pm – Shuttle back to Inuvik
Sunday, June 4th 2023​
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Free morning in Inuvik
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Flight departure or extension
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If extending - Free day for sightseeing, tours, relaxing and treating sore muscles and feet
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Artists Market
TREK2TUK4KIDS - Q & A
Q 1. What does registration for an event include?
A 1 – Secures participation in the event you register for, Welcome Dinner Friday evening, Saturday shuttle transportation to your trek start location, support during the trek along the ITH, shuttle to Tuktoyaktuk for all trekkers, Grand Finale Dinner and Cultural Celebration in Tuktoyaktuk, and shuttle back to Inuvik.
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Q 2. How many team members can participate in the relay?
A 2 – There is no maximum number of Trekkers on a relay team. Each Trekker needs to register and identify what team they are on. Walking Trekkers must have a Trekker for each section of the relay (minimum 6 trekkers) and Cycling Relay trekkers need a minimum of 2 riders.
Running Relay Trekkers must have a minimum of 3 runners to ensure they finish by 4 pm. All sections of the ITH must be run by at least one team member.
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Q 3. Can I enter a relay if I don’t have a Team?
A 3 – Yes, just identify on the registration – “Need a team” and we will do our best to find you a team.
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Q 4. Is it possible to stay in Tuktoyaktuk?
A 4 – Yes there are several guest houses and BnB’s – check travel & accommodations by clicking here. There is currently no accessible accommodation available in this community. Anyone staying in Tuk Saturday evening will need to arrange for their own transportation back to Inuvik. There is a daily shuttle and taxi service from Tuk to Inuvik.
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Q 5. What is available if I need medical attention during the TREK2TUK4KIDS event?
A 5 – We encourage everyone to bring their own basic first aid supplies (including blister aids). Event Support Volunteers at the 25 km stations will have a limited supply of first aid supplies. For more serious conditions there is a full service hospital in Inuvik, and a health centre in Tuktoyaktuk. Canadian Trekkers should carry their provincial/territorial health care cards with them at all times. Trekkers from outside Canada will be required to have a credit card for any hospital or health centre service. We strongly recommend extended travel medical insurance coverage for all Trekkers who are non-NWT residents. Canadian Trekkers should note that in the event of a medical emergency requiring ground or air ambulance services, the Canada Health Act *does not* cover these expenses for non-NWT residents. Read this pamphlet for information on what medical expenses non-NWT residents may incur.
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Q 6. Will there be time to look around or go on any tours before or after the TREK2TUK4KIDS event?
A 6 – Yes there will be some time on Friday afternoon, Sunday morning, or Monday morning for those trekkers that are visiting, depending on the choice of flight departure. Anyone wanting to stay longer than the Sunday departure should make thearrangements with their travel agency or airline. Local tour companies are available in Inuvik and Tuk and will provide many options. To learn more, click here.
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Q 7. If I am in a cycling event and have a flat or break down, are there any repair services available?
A 7 – While the Inuvik Cycling Club will provide basic technical support, there are no bike repair services provided for the TREK2TUK4KIDS event. All bikers are required to bring with them any extra tires or other parts they think they may need. Be prepared: The ITH is 150 KM of gravel, conditions could be muddy or freezing, depending on the weather.
PREPARATION AND PACKING TIPS
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Bring your sense of adventure and don't forget to pack your sense of humour
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Appropriate clothing and footwear for gravel road and variable weather conditions.
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Small pack containing water, food, bandaids/moleskin, wind breaker, extra layers, hat, gloves and whatever you think you may need.
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Check the weather. Environment Canada’s 7 Day Weather Forecast for Inuvik and Tuk and prepare accordingly. To check the forecast click here.
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Bring your camera/cell phone - the scenery is spectacular and wildlife abundant! There is cell service only for the first 20 KM and last 30 KM of the Trek.
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Sunglasses and sunscreen. At this time of the year the sun is up 24 hours a day and can be intense.
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Satellite phone, SPOT or In-Reach device is optional, but will allow you to connect with someone in the case of an emergency. Emergency contact numbers will be available for all satellite devices.
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Water will be available at all 25 KM stations. Trekkers must bring a water bottle and enough water to hydrate for the duration of their 25 KM. Ultramarathoners must carry their full complement of water and supplies for the entire 150 KM distance.
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Cyclists must bring a repair kit, additional tires, and any parts they may need during the Trek. The ITH is 150 KM of gravel or mud, depending on the weather.