The 6633 Arctic Ultra in Canada is known as the toughest, windiest, and coldest footrace globally, with just nine participants, including Aaron Crook from Australia.
Crook, who has experience from competing in the Marathon des Sables, a 250-kilometer race in the Sahara Desert, is familiar with challenging his physical limits.
The Adelaide father has his sights on his next challenge, which will see him trek across the Arctic Circle in Canada to raise money for charity.
As the sole Australian entrant among the nine athletes, Crook is also fundraising for The Sebastian Foundation and the Adelaide Crows Foundation, both of which support youth mental health initiatives.
Crook said he had admired the foundation’s Open Parachute program, which helps equip children with the skills they need to overcome mental health challenges.
“The more I learn about the program and talk to the people at the foundation, the more I realise how special it is,” he said.
“It’s become something that I’m very passionate.”
He said every $15 raised for the foundation will provide a primary or secondary student access to the program for an entire school year.
“I’m just really working so hard to try and raise as much money as I possibly can because it can make such a big difference for school kids all around the country.”
Crook will compete in the gruelling challenge when the race starts on February 27.
