《TAIPEI TIMES》 Chen places fourth in Yukon race

/ Staff writer, with CNA

Taiwanese runner Tommy Chen on Tuesday completed the 700km Yukon Arctic Ultra in a time of 10 days, 6 hours and 4 minutes, finishing fourth overall.

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Chen, who became the first Asian athlete to finish the event in Canada’s Yukon Territory in 2013 at the age of 27, completed the route from Whitehorse to Dawson City on foot, while other competitors used mountainbikes or skis.

He said prior to the race that he had returned to make good on a promise he made to himself 10 years ago.

During Chen’s 10-plus days on the trail, his team shared daily updates on Facebook, documenting his progress in the race and the challenges he faced.

These included dragging his food and gear in a sled behind him, across harsh terrain and in frequent darkness and temperatures as low as minus-32°C.

On Tuesday, with less than 40km left in the race, Chen reported that his face had become swollen from the cold and that he was increasing his calorie intake to overcome mild hypothermia.

Even closer to the finish, a missing trail marker caused him to briefly wander out onto a glacier, before finding his way back on course.

Chen wrote on Facebook that he had completed the race, and thanked his followers for their support.

One of the event’s social media accounts showed him celebrating the feat by breakdancing in the snow.

Yukon native Jessie Gladish finished the race first on a mountain bike, followed by Matt Weighman of Scotland and Tim Young of Australia in second and third place, both on foot.

新聞來源：TAIPEI TIMES