ESSENTIAL EXPED
INFORMATION 2026
Due to the scale and nature of Rat Race Expeditions, changes to the route, structure and timings sometimes need to be made right up until the date of the expedition. To ensure you have the latest information and are fully prepared for the challenge that lies ahead, please checkback on this EEI before travelling. ​​​
The EEI was last updated on: 09/04/2026
WELCOME TO GREENLAND.
WELCOME TO RAT RACE EXPEDITION: GREENLAND 2026!
Dear #ratracer,
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Welcome to one of the most remote and ambitious expeditions Rat Race operates! We cannot wait to set off on this inaugural trip.
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The East Greenland Expedition is a genuinely exploratory journey combining sea kayaking, glacier travel and alpine trekking in one of the wildest and least populated regions on Earth. Operating from our base at Kulusuk, a small settlement on the edge of the Greenland Ice Sheet, this expedition takes you far beyond conventional routes and infrastructure and deep into a landscape dominated by ice, mountains and fjords.
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Our objective is to journey north and inland through the Sermiligaq Fjord system using sea kayaks, reaching the head of the fjord where the Knud Rasmussen Glacier calves directly into the ocean. This is one of the largest glaciers in the region and provides access to the heart of the Caledonian Alps. With careful route‑finding and favourable conditions, the plan is to traverse this vast ice flow over several days, travelling under dramatic alpine summits and crossing high passes before descending the Karale Glacier and returning by boat to Kulusuk.
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This is not a point‑to‑point race or a fixed itinerary. It is an expedition in the truest sense, operating in a hostile and changeable Arctic environment. Weather, ice conditions, group dynamics, and safety considerations will all shape how each day unfolds. Flexibility, resilience, and a team‑first attitude are therefore absolutely essential.
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Abbi
Head of Expeditions
Project Manager Expedition Greenland
HANDY LINKS:
SKIP TO SECTION
KEY FACTS
TIME ZONE
GMT -2
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CURRENCY
Danish Krone (DKK)
PHONE CODE
+299
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TEMPERATURE
Arctic summer conditions. Expect cool temperatures, strong winds, potential snowfall and rapid weather changes even in mid‑summer.
LANGUAGE
Greenlandic & Danish (English spoken by expedition staff)
SUNRISE & SUNSET​
Average during exped: ​0500 / 0000
IMPORTANT REMINDERS
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Exped Participation Form MUST be submitted NO later than 26th April 2026.
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Medical Form MUST be submitted NO later than 26th April 2026.
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The Q&A Webinar will take place on 28th May at 1800PM UK Time. The webinar will be recorded and emailed to you the following day so you can watch it back at your leisure if you are unable to make the date and time. The link and passcode to join the Q&A session is within the email you received alongside the EEI.
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Arrival: You will arrive into Kulusuk, East Greenland, via Keflavik International Airport (Iceland). Icelandair operates the Keflavik–Kulusuk route using small prop aircraft with limited capacity.
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Insurance:  Comprehensive expedition insurance is mandatory. Your policy must specifically cover remote Arctic travel, sea kayaking, glacier travel and alpine trekking, including evacuation and repatriation to a minimum of USD $500,000.
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Flexibility: This expedition operates in an environment governed by ice and weather. It may be necessary to amend the route, timing, or daily objectives at short notice. This is normal for Arctic travel and is not considered a failure of the plan, but rather an essential part of safe expedition management.
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Kit & Readiness: This expedition has strict kit requirements. Participants will undergo kit checks and must meet the mandatory kit standard to participate.
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Decision‑making: Throughout the expedition, the Expedition lead and IFMGA Mountain Guide will make decisions in the best interests of individual and group safety. Their decisions are final.
ITINERARY
Trip Meeting & End Point
The dates of the adventure are fixed as 16th - 30th July. These are the dates on which our itinerary commences and finishes.
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Meeting Point​: Kulusuk, East Greenland
You will be met upon arrival at Kulusuk airstrip and transferred to Nanoq Lodge, our expedition base. From this point onwards, Rat Race will manage local logistics, accommodation and expedition movements.
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Arrive at Kulusuk on the 16th July. ​
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End Point: Kulusuk, East Greenland
The expedition will conclude back in Kulusuk following completion of the glacier and paddling phases. You will be transferred from Nanoq Lodge to the airport in time for the departing flight.
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Depart Kulusuk on the 30th July
INDICATIVE EXPEDITION OVERVIEW
The outline below is indicative only and subject to change in response to conditions:
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Days 1–3: Arrival into Kulusuk. Lodge accommodation. Expedition briefings, safety training, kayak skills, packing, and final route planning.
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Days 4–7: Sea kayak journey north along the Sermiligaq Fjord. Wild camping enroute. Travel is dictated by weather, ice conditions, and sea conditions.
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Days 8–12: Glacier and alpine phase. Roped glacier travel, crevasse navigation and high‑pass crossings within the Caledonian Alps. Daily distance and route will vary significantly depending on conditions.
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Days 13–14: Descent of the Karale Glacier. Boat transfer back to Kulusuk. Final night at the lodge and expedition debrief.
DAY-TO-DAY: WHAT TO EXPECT
STYLE OF TRAVEL
This expedition is fully guided by an IFMGA‑qualified Mountain Guide, supported by Rat Race expedition staff. Travel will involve multiple disciplines and constant adaptation:
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Sea kayaking with loaded boats
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Glacier travel on foot, roped where necessary
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Alpine trekking across variable terrain
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Wild camping in exposed Arctic environments
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Days can be long and physically demanding, often dictated by tides, weather windows, ice conditions and safe camp locations. Progress may feel slow at times — this is normal and appropriate for the environment.
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This is a small‑team expedition (7 participants), which allows for flexibility, cohesion and a strong team dynamic.
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ACCOMODATION
Accommodation during the expedition will be a mixture of:
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Nanoq Lodge, Kulusuk: Fully catered accommodation at the start and end of the expedition, providing a comfortable base for preparation and recovery.
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Wild Camping: During the fjord, glacier and alpine phases, the team will camp in remote locations chosen for safety and practicality.
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All group camping equipment is provided as part of the expedition logistics.
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FOOD & BEVERAGE
All meals are included throughout the expedition:
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Lodge meals in Kulusuk are fully catered
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Expedition food (dehydrated meals) is provided during travel phases and designed to meet the energy demands of cold‑environment endurance activity
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Participants are encouraged to bring personal preference snacks or specialist nutrition that they know works well for them. Alcoholic and soft drinks are not included unless stated.
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PITSTOPS & RESUPPLY
There are no formal pit stops on this expedition. Food and fuel are carried from the outset and managed by the expedition team. Water will be collected and treated from glacial and freshwater sources as appropriate.
THE ROUTE
ROUTE OVERVIEW
The expedition route begins from Kulusuk, travelling north via the Sermiligaq Fjord system by kayak. The team will then access the lower reaches of the Knud Rasmussen Glacier, navigating complex crevassed terrain to reach the upper glacier and alpine terrain of the Caledonian Alps.
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From there, the objective is to complete a multi‑day glacier traverse and descend via the Karale Glacier before returning by boat to Kulusuk.
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All routing decisions will be made dynamically by the guiding team based on safety, weather, ice conditions, and the capabilities of the group.
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GPX FILES
There is no need for GPX files on this expedition. You will be guided and we will be working together as a team for the duration.
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TRAINING & PREPARATION
This expedition demands a high level of physical and mental preparedness.
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Participants should train for: ​
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Sustained multi‑day endurance efforts
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Cold and wet conditions
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Carrying loads over uneven terrain
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Upper‑body endurance for kayaking
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Previous experience in multi‑day trekking, paddling and cold‑weather environments is strongly recommended. This expedition is not a suitable first step into expedition travel or kayaking.
If you feel like you need to brush up on your kayaking skills to make sure that you have a smooth paddle stroke and are confident in a kayak, then feel free to reach out to Ian Dovey at Dovey Coaching. He assists on multiple Rat Race kayaking expeditions and knows the correct standards for you to feel confident on this expedition to Greenland.
MANDATORY KIT LIST
A detailed, expedition‑specific mandatory kit list will be issued separately. This will include (but is not limited to):
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Drysuit or equivalent paddling system – A dry suit can be borrowed – please provide size in the participant information form.
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Glacier travel equipment (harness, crampons, etc.)
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Cold‑weather layering system
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Emergency and personal safety items
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Failure to meet mandatory kit requirements may result in exclusion from the expedition.
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​​​RAT RACE STORE
As a #RatRacer you now have a 15% discount in our store so you can get kitted out for your next adventure. Use the code RATRACE15 to save 15% on full priced kit only, excludes event specific merchandise and bundles.
​​AVOIDING KIT CATASTROPHE IN TRANSIT
It is not impossible that your gear may not arrive with you into Japan. In general, the longer you are in country, the easier this is to solve. Once you start travelling away from major airports, getting re-united with lost bags becomes harder. However, it is not impossible and if you do lose bags, it does not necessarily spell certain doom.
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However, to avoid the chances of total catastrophe, we would recommend that you do travel with some event clothing in your hand luggage: for example, your running and hiking trainers along with one full set of kit.
 
Experience tells us that if you arrive wearing or physically carrying some of what you need, the likelihood of getting you on the start line increases dramatically, vs those whose entire event kit is in their hold baggage making its way around a carousel in the wrong airport far, far away.
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Q&A WEBINAR
The Q&A Webinar on 27th May April at 6PM (UK Time) is a great opportunity to ask any kit related questions and ensure you are fully prepared for the adventure ahead. ​​
MEDICAL & SAFETY
MEDICAL OPERATIONS
This expedition takes place in one of the most remote regions of the Arctic, where evacuation procedures are inherently challenging, slow, and heavily dependent on weather conditions. It is essential that all participants recognise and accept the gravity of potential medical incidents in such an environment.
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To deliver this expedition, we are partnering with Pirhuk, a highly respected Greenlandic guiding company with decades of expertise in expedition sea kayaking and glacial travel. We are fortunate to have Chris Forrest as both our sea kayak guide and IFMGA‑qualified guide for the hiking component. You will also be accompanied by me—Rat Race’s Head of Expeditions—qualified as a Sea Kayak Leader and International Mountain Leader. I will additionally serve as the expedition medic for the duration of the journey.
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Chris and I will carry a comprehensive expedition medical kit, prescription medications, and will have access to 24/7 telemedical support. We will also be equipped with satellite phones, inReach systems, satellite messaging devices, and full polar bear deterrent equipment.
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As a team, we will work together to establish a rota for polar bear watch during all camping periods.
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Full medical screening is mandatory, and all relevant medical information must be disclosed prior to departure. ​​​​
INSURANCE FOR YOU & YOUR EQUIPMENT
We have asked that you have in place Travel Insurance cover and specified Evacuation cover to last for a minimum period of the event duration for the days you are with us on the published itinerary. Evacuation and medical expenses cover should total no less than $500 000. A copy of this cover/covers (if separate policies) is required to be received by us by 26th April 2026.
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​We recommend that participants have insurance to cover damage, loss, theft, injury and non-attendance. Rat Race cannot accept any responsibility for the loss of, theft, or damage to any Participant property or the circumstances of Participant non-attendance. Within the 12-week departure window, we cannot provide any transfers and, in all cases, we cannot entertain requests for refunds. We respectfully remind all participants that unforeseen circumstances preventing attendance is what travel insurance is designed for and is the reason for this as a strong recommendation on such undertakings.  
Some suggested providers are as follows:  
 
For UK and Channel Island residents Rat Race’s own insurer brokers have a brand-new product: https://www.mannbroadbent.co.uk/sports-travel-insurance/. 
 
Note: This is Rat Race’s UK-based insurance broker, specialising in the leisure insurance market. This is a specialist sports travel cover product; however, Rat Race is neither an insurance broker or underwriter. We can recommend Mann Broadbent wholeheartedly as good people to deal with, but please remember that this is not a ‘Rat Race product’ and we have no say whatsoever on claims decisions made by the insurers, in the event that you raise such a claim via one of these policies.  
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Other providers: 
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Note: We have no relationship with any of these providers, but previous customers have found them reasonable to deal with regarding some of our similar Bucket List challenges.  
 
Note: For all insurance, please remember that cover is offered based on several factors, (the nature of the event disciplines being one of them), but your own insurance profile, age, health and other details form a big part of this. As such, we are always happy to provide details to insurers in support of cover requests from customers, but we cannot influence their decisions as to whether to offer cover to individuals.  
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CONTACT
To facilitate the very best support for you whilst embarked on the event, we have prepared some contact information below that should assist you and loved ones both before departure and then throughout your adventure. Please find a series of phone numbers and email addresses and instructions on which is to be used; and for what. Finally, we have included an action check-list so you may tick off the pre-event jobs arising from this Essential Event Information document.
1. For ALL pre-event email correspondence prior to departure: 
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events@ratrace.com - admin / kit / challenge based queries
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office@trailmed.co.uk  - Medical-based advice or discussion on medical conditions in confidence
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2. For specific arrivals and pre-trip issues in the days immediately prior to arrival in Kulusuk -   A WhatsApp group will be set up pre-arrival. This will include numbers of crew members if you need assistance whilst you travel to the event. 
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3. Emergency correspondence from people who need to get in touch with you (i.e. from those who need to contact you) IN EMERGENCY ONLY while you are embarked on the expedition: events@ratrace.com
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​The originator should quote ‘Emergency correspondence for (your name)’ in the email title and they must provide a phone number for return comms. This will be patched through to our crew’s mobile phones, (or satellite messaging platform if we are out of reception) from our office and a satellite phone will be made available for you to return the comms to the originator. We would aim to provide a suitable response period of within 24 hrs for this service to the originator. Please, please, please do tell your family and supporters not to contact us about Tracker Emergencies!
FINAL CHECK LIST
Submitted no later than 26th April 2026.
Submitted no later than 26th April 2026.
28th May - 6PM (UK Time)
This expedition represents the very essence of adventure: uncertainty, exploration, resilience, and teamwork in one of the world’s last true wilderness regions.
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If you embrace flexibility, work with your team and respect the environment, this journey promises to be a genuinely life‑changing experience.
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We look forward to welcoming you to East Greenland.
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Abbi
Head of Expeditions
Project Manager Expedition Greenland