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An Epic Mission in the Arctic
Four British veterans – Jason “Foxy” Fox, Aldo Kane, Brian Wood MC, and Karl Hinett – are currently in the midst of an extraordinary expedition across the Arctic Circle. Project Fire and Ice sees them taking on a gruelling 500-kilometre ultra-marathon through the frozen wilderness of Swedish Lapland. This punishing trek demands the team remain self-sufficient for up to 10 days, dragging sleds loaded with supplies through deep snow, across frozen lakes, and over vast tundras.
The challenge is a supreme test of endurance, mental resilience, and teamwork. More importantly, it serves as a rallying cry for the veteran community—raising funds for SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, while bringing attention to the challenges faced by service personnel after leaving the military.
The Challenge: 500 Kilometres of Fire and Ice
The Montane Lapland Arctic Ultra is one of the world’s most formidable ultra-endurance events, and Project Fire and Ice is pushing the four veterans to their limits. The 500-kilometre race started in Överkalix, Sweden, and takes them deep into the Arctic Circle before looping back, traversing some of the most unforgiving landscapes on the planet.
Temperatures have already plummeted to -30°C, with fierce winds and whiteout conditions adding to the danger. Navigation is treacherous, as trail markers can disappear beneath fresh snow, and even a short miscalculation can lead to exhaustion or exposure. Despite these challenges, the team is forging ahead, covering immense distances each day while hauling heavy sleds.
The race is self-supported, meaning every meal, piece of equipment, and survival essential must be carried from the start. While there are sparse checkpoints offering brief shelter and a chance to refuel, much of the race is spent in total isolation. Many competitors do not make it to the finish line, reinforcing the sheer scale of what Project Fire and Ice is attempting to accomplish.
The Veteran Team Taking on the Arctic
This extraordinary expedition brings together a team of highly experienced veterans, each with a formidable background in military service and extreme endurance.
Jason “Foxy” Fox – A former Royal Marine Commando and Special Boat Service operator, Fox is no stranger to high-risk environments. Now well-known for his work in television and adventure documentaries, he has taken on extreme expeditions before, but the Arctic’s brutal climate and self-sufficient nature make this one of his toughest challenges yet. A long-time advocate for veterans’ mental health, he is determined to give back to the charity that supported him.
Aldo Kane – A former Royal Marines sniper turned world-record-holding adventurer, Kane has spent decades tackling extreme environments. Having rowed across the Atlantic and led expeditions in the Amazon and Antarctic, he is an expert in endurance and survival. However, this Arctic ultra-marathon presents an entirely new challenge, demanding resilience and grit in one of the harshest climates on Earth.
Brian Wood MC – A decorated former British Army soldier awarded the Military Cross for bravery, Wood has used endurance sports as a means of pushing his limits in support of veteran charities. Having previously completed extreme multi-day running challenges in the desert, he now finds himself in the opposite climate—one that will test his ability to endure freezing conditions while pushing his body to its limits.
Karl Hinett – A former Staffordshire Regiment soldier who survived severe burns in Iraq, Hinett has since completed over 170 marathons and summited some of the world’s highest peaks. This challenge, which marks 20 years since his injuries, is as much a personal journey as it is a way to give back to the charity that supported him throughout his recovery. His relentless determination and endurance background make him a vital member of the team.
Racing Against the Elements
Now deep into their journey, the Project Fire and Ice team is battling exhaustion, relentless cold, and the mental challenges that come with such an extreme endurance event. The Arctic terrain is unforgiving, and the freezing temperatures sap energy and motivation with every passing kilometre.
While all four men are highly experienced in endurance and survival, this challenge is pushing them beyond anything they have attempted before. Each day is a brutal test, requiring them to cover huge distances while dealing with the physical toll of hauling sleds across the ice. The conditions mean that even simple tasks, like eating or setting up camp, become immense struggles.
Despite these obstacles, their unwavering focus remains on the mission—to complete this epic journey and raise vital funds for SSAFA. The charity provides crucial support to veterans and their families, ensuring that those who have served are never left behind.
A Mission of Resilience and Purpose
As the Arctic ultra-marathon continues, Jason Fox, Aldo Kane, Brian Wood, and Karl Hinett remain determined to push through to the finish. The mission is more than just a test of endurance; it is a powerful statement of resilience, unity, and the enduring strength of the veteran community.
By taking on one of the world’s harshest endurance races, these four men are demonstrating that the fire of determination still burns strong, even in the most extreme conditions. Their journey is a testament to the idea that veterans never stop serving, never stop pushing themselves, and never leave their own behind.
As they push through the final stages of this Arctic challenge, their message is clear: no matter how cold or tough the journey, the veteran community stands together.
