Luton-born veteran joins three others on 500km ultramarathon across the Arctic
They will be raising money for the Armed Forces Charity along the way
A team of four British veterans, including a Luton-born former UK Special Forces soldier, is set to take on one of the most demanding ultra-endurance races in the world.
Covering 500 kilometers over snow-covered terrain in the Swedish Arctic, the Montane Lapland Arctic Ultra race will test the physical and mental endurance of the Fire and Ice team as they navigate through some of the harshest winter conditions on Earth.
The Fire and Ice team comprises four veterans, each with their own remarkable military and post-service experiences, including Jason "Foxy" Fox, Aldo Kane, Brian Wood MC and Karl Hinett, who survived severe burns during his service in Iraq, and who initiated the idea.
The race, which begins on March 2, 2025, will start and finish in Överkalix, a small town in Sweden’s Norbotten province, located within the Arctic Circle.
Over the course of 10 days, the team will tackle two loops: the first, a 185km route heading north and back, and the second, a 315km stretch that takes them further into the wilderness.
The route will lead the team across frozen rivers, lakes, and dense forests, facing unpredictable weather and terrain.
Jason Fox, who was born and grew up in Luton, said: "It’s going to look probably quite white. It will be cold. It will be tough. It will also be beautiful and something I’ll remember for a long time.
"The hardest part is doing everything after the physicality of the course. You’ve got to do the basics well."
The race is also deeply personal for the team.
For Karl Hinett, it marks the 20th anniversary of the incident in Iraq that left him with severe burns and set him on a path of endurance challenges.
The team is participating to raise awareness and support for military charities, particularly those focused on mental health in the veteran community.
Jason Fox said: "For me, it’s all about getting out there, finding friends, doing stuff with friends, and talking about what’s going on in your life.
"We’ve spent a lot of time trying to fix things after they’re broken, as opposed to putting a system in place that stops you from breaking."
The Montane Lapland Arctic Ultra is an opportunity to raise awareness for the causes close to their hearts.