2015 Yukon Arctic Ultra roster set

Almost 100 athletes from around the world are scheduled to race in this year's Yukon Arctic Ultra.

Competitors maychoose distances of marathon length, 180 kilometres, 540 kilometres or 700 kilometres.

• Yukon Arctic Ultra moves starting line due to melt

They can coverthe route on a mountain bike, cross countryskis or on foot.

The Arctic Ultra starts in Whitehorse and ends in Dawson City for those tackling full 700 km race.

Here are some facts about this year's race:

• There are 16 Canadians in the race. The rest are from an international field. For the first time, there will be competitors from Poland, Mexico and Japan.
• The Japanese athlete will be followed by a TV crew. They will be producing a 100-minute documentary as part of a series that chronicles the world's toughest races.
• The oldest competitor is 70-year-old James Binks from England, He has already successfully completed the 540 kilometre course.

• Dr. Mathias Steinach from the Centre for Space Medicine in Berlin will study runners in the 700 kilometre event.
• There are three Yukoners in the 700 kilometre race. Shelly Gellatly and Jessie Thomson-Gladish will travel to Dawson City on foot. Derek Crowe will tacklethe course on a mountain bike.

The 2015 Yukon Arctic Ultra gets underway on February 8th. Competitors leave the day after the start of the Yukon Quest sled dog race and will follow the same trail as the dog teams.