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RACE RESULTS Arrowhead 135 Mile Winter Ultra Marathon  2008 Race Results Chart
Once again the weather forecast was over-optimistic and for the fourth year in a row, the 2008 event took place in under -20 degrees F. On the second night the actual temps sunk to -22 degrees F in Int'l Falls, so probably 5 degrees less in remote low spots on the trail. However, during the first day of the course the temps had hit a balmy +35 degrees F and it was funny to hear racers complain it was too warm, sweating, and struggling to slog through the mushy snow. Wet shoes eventually solidified into ice boots when temps dropped at night. The second half of the course became faster and easier to navigate as the sub-zero temps hardened the trail surface. Contrary to previous years, there was no moon. So dark, the clear skies revealed what seemed to be many more large bright stars than usual. A few people heard wolves howling in the distance and noticed paw prints on the trail. By the last day, the 2008 Arrowhead had 27 finishers of over 50 starters...the best finish percentage yet: Three new course records were established--Note: Dave Pramann missed his previous bike record in 2006 by only 3 minutes. We would like to thank all the volunteers for their exceptional assistance during the 2008 event. We had many new challenges this year and you all stepped up to the plate and took care of any crisis as it occurred before it mushroomed out of control. This is the best crew we have ever had and we could not have succeeded without every one of you. Great job! The snowmobile teams picked up racers in every section of the trail this year. There were minor medical issues in every section, so we are glad we had a medical technician at each checkpoint . We also had a lot of support from our sponsors and local snowmobilers, local EMT/paramedics and spectators that notified us when racers were in trouble and allowed us to use their phones, equipment, donated their time and covered expenses, etc. Special thanks to our volunteers: Don Clark, the "gear nazi", Bonnie Riley, Eric Gustafson, John Spartz at the finish line, Linda Dallman, Kathy Weix and Jean Curnow at Melgeorge's Checkpoint, and to the snowmobile crew: Reijo Vastila, Rose Kadera, Todd Gabrielson, Ron, Matt Long, Chad Parrish and several local people that helped on snowmobile to notify us of racers needing assistance. We would also like to make special note of several heroic efforts by Mike Lessard of Ray, MN to save or assist people in tough shape, and to Carles, Kim and Angela that helped with Spanish/Portuguese interpretation. Thanks, you epitomize the spirit of the Arrowhead event.We appreciate the extra support of County Cycles, QBP-Surly-Salsa, Steger Mukluks, Clif Bar, Ed at Skipulk, Brazil 135, Phil and Ellen Hart, the people at the Gateway Store; Carla & Steve and their Melgeorge's Resort and Elephant Lake Checkpoint; and Bob and Tess at the Bayview Lodge finish line at Lake Vermillion/Tower. 2007 Race Results/Results Chart
It was a tough year with the lowest temperatures and the ugliest trail conditions so far. We thought the groomed part of the trail south of Myrtle would be better, but it was actually worse. The official temp at the airport during the start was -28F and -35F at low spots on the trail Monday night. Only 10 of 46 that started were able to finish. Congratulations to all the 2007 finishers!!
Congratulations to all the 2006 finishers!!
2005 Race Roster/Results Chart
Congratulations to everyone that participated in the Arrowhead 135 mile event. What an amazing group of athletes and all around fun, nice people! We enjoyed sharing the experience with you all. 
 We would like to extend special congratulations to the five finishers who will receive the Arrowhead trophy- Matt, Pierre, Bill, Ron and Major Mike. Extra kudos go to Matt Evingson for being the first overall and first biker ever to complete the grueling Arrowhead 135 mile race. Also, kudos to Ron Kadera as the first skier to complete the event. Likewise, Brian Robinson managed to gut it out on foot to Myrtle Lake despite frostbite and knee problems for the Myrtle Turtle award. The temperature dipped to at least -17F to -20F degrees at night. Despite the tough, and at times, extremely steep course, all entrants agree the trail was an awesome, gorgeous venue and most say they will return again next year. We would like to especially thank County Cycles for their extra support, the volunteer snowmobile crew, Reijo Vastila and Jonathan Yeakel, as well as Richard Chin for his help at the Myrtle Lake checkpoint. The volunteer snowmobilers had to put up with sub-zero temps and replace a broken belt on their sled. They even rescued a team of sled dogs running loose on the trail. We would not have been able to put on the race without them. The race was very exciting as all the racers have interesting stories of mechanical glitches and personal adventures. We will continue to post those stories as they become available for publishing. The racers loved the trail and the people they encountered along the way, especially at the Super8 and Days Inn Motels in Int'l Falls, the Chocolate Moose Restaurant Co., Gateway Store, MelGeorges resort, Marana's Myrtle Lake Resort and the Bayview Lodge. Everyone was so nice and helpful beyond expectation. Thank you, everyone!!!! VOLUNTEERS WANTED We all had enormous fun and there are plenty of crazy racers signing up already for next year so we will need more volunteers. If any snowmobilers would like to help out next year, please contact us at:
Ideally, we would like to have a snowmobile club and a hospital, paramedic crew or fire dept. volunteering for traffic control, search and rescue so people could take turns on the trail. It is loads of fun and we cover your costs for fuel, food ,and lodging. The course finishes at Bay View Lodge on Lake Vermillion near the Fortune Bay Casino. Great fun and food! Note: There is an article in the March 6, Sunday edition of the St. Paul Pioneer Press: Cheryl & Pierre Ostor Race officials, Tel. 651-204-3193 info@arrowheadultra.com
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