Have you wondered what it would be like to trek for 500 kilometers in the snow near the Arctic circle? That’s precisely what ultramarathon runner Tommy Chen did last month at the Montane Lapland Arctic Ultra in northern Sweden. The runner gave a talk in Taiwan about his experience, sharing images of the grueling journey. Chen says that thinking of his family is what pushed him past the finish line.

Last month, ultramarathon runner Tommy Chen came second in the Montane Lapland Arctic Ultra, a 500-kilometer foot race in northern Sweden. He was the first Asian participant to complete the challenge. Now in Taiwan, he held an event to share images of his experience.

Chen recounted the severe conditions he overcame, and the loneliness of the challenge. Thinking of his family back in Taiwan gave him strength to make it to the end.

Tommy Chen
Ultramarathon runner
Far away, 8,300 kilometers away, my mother must have been praying to Buddha for me. It gave me a sense of strength and stability. I missed my family.

Before competing in Sweden, Chen took part in the Montane Yukon Arctic Ultra, a 700-kilometer race in Canada, where he also won a medal. Chen presented his father with the two medals, inviting him to run a race together in the future.

Tommy Chen
Ultramarathon runner
I’m not spending as much time with my parents, so I hope we get the opportunity to take part in a marathon in a polar region some day, be it 10 kilometers, or 20 kilometers. I think it would be an amazing memory. Of course, I don’t know if doing that would create a rift in our relationship.

Chen faced off against 54-year-old ultramarathon legend Thierry Corbarieu from France. Chen says the experience was inspiring and enriching. But he says he still plans to retire from racing at the age of 43. Next up for Chen is the For Rangers Ultra in Kenya this September.

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