Rainforest & Bhutan Ultra
INTERVIEW WITH ROBERT POLLHAMMER
by Alex de Sain
Robert has a rich background in the tourism industry and was an avid marathon runner before venturing into adventure racing. His passion for these pursuits led him to leverage the knowledge he had gained to create his own company, The Great Outdoors. Through this company, he has been organizing the Montane Yukon Arctic Ultra race for more than 20 years – that’s where we first met.
I participated in this extreme event, which takes place in Northern Canada during the winter, with temperatures plunging to -40°C.
Robert expanded his portfolio by adding another race, this time in Europe, in the frigid expanse of Lapland. Now, as the Lapland race enters its 4th year in 2025, he’s adding two more races, one in Brazil and another in Bhutan.
I decided it was time to give him a call to learn more about these exciting new projects.
How are you doing?
The typical answer right now is: It’s very busy. It’s been a crazy year, but also very exciting with plenty of travel. Currently, I’m focused on preparing for the winter races, while also spreading the word about the new events. So, yeah, a lot is going on.
Why did you decide to add two new races to your calendar?
I participated in a race called the Jungle Marathon about 20 years ago. I was contracted as the race director and spent about six months in that region. I directed the race two times. It continued for many years after I left, but eventually, the event was discontinued.
I met my wife in that region, so I’ve always kind of stayed in touch with family from there and followed the progress of the Jungle Marathon, and when I heard the race was no longer happening, I thought, Maybe I could organize a race in the same area. Besides my personal connections, I’ve visited this region quite a bit.
It’s important to preserve the rainforest for our climate, and organizing this race could help bring more tourism to the area, providing locals with sustainable income. Without tourism, their options are limited to agriculture or exploiting the land, which often involves illegal activities like mining. Nobody can blame people for doing whatever it takes to survive.
Through this race, I hope to show the world the beauty of this region and encourage tourism as a sustainable alternative. There’s already some infrastructure in place to receive tourists, but it’s not enough to support the economy yet.
What are the challenges of organizing the Rainforest Ultra?
A lot of the danger is mitigated by making it a stage race, where participants rest at designated locations overnight. Unlike the winter races, where people race nonstop, it’s not safe to be in the jungle at night, as that’s when predators like jaguars are hunting, and snakes, spiders, and scorpions become active. The jungle floor literally comes alive, so it’s better to rest safely in a designated spot.
There are other dangers too, like the presence of stingrays in the water off the river beaches. If participants decide to swim, it’s important to enter the water carefully to avoid stepping on them. While encounters with snakes during the day are rare, participants still need to watch their step. And of course, mosquitoes come out in the evening as well. Even with insect repellent and mosquito nets, you’ll likely get bitten, though the region isn’t prone to diseases like malaria or dengue during this time of year.
Despite these hazards, the jungle is an incredibly beautiful and vibrant place. The rivers are crystal-clear, and the sandy beaches are reminiscent of the Caribbean. The local people are welcoming, and the region is a fantastic destination for those brave enough to explore it.
Do you recommend specific gear, such as high shoes or long sleeves due to the animals and insects?
When I go into the jungle, I wear long pants and long sleeves to avoid cuts from plants that might not seem dangerous but can harm your skin. In the humid climate, small wounds heal slower and infections can happen when not treated properly. But that’s a personal choice—either way, you’ll be soaking wet in a few minutes due to the high humidity. It feels like walking through rain.
I recommend wearing gaiters to keep dirt out of your shoes. Interestingly, many guides work in sandals! Personally, I find I trip more in sandals, so I stick with hiking boots. One participant even competed in the original Jungle Marathon barefoot, but I wouldn’t recommend it!
At night participants will sleep in hammocks, which they can either bring or rent.
What are the distances per day?
The daily distances range from 20 to 40 kilometers. A person with a good hiking pace could complete the race each day, and if you’re able to run, you’ll finish faster. We usually start around 6 or 7 AM, and participants should finish by 5 PM at the latest, when the sun sets.
I remember way back, our first stage was only 15 kilometers, and we had people who needed six or so hours to finish it. If you’re not used to that humidity, it’s really hard. Any little bit uphill and your heart starts racing. I’ve seen participants struggle just sitting in the survival course because their bodies couldn’t handle the climate. It’s crucial to take it easy at first and pace yourself.
Would it help to come a week before the race to acclimatize?
We’ve built in a few days for acclimatization in our itinerary, which should be sufficient. It’s crucial to drink plenty of water—many participants who fainted didn’t hydrate properly. If someone has extra time to arrive earlier, that can help, but it’s not a necessity.
When will the Rainforest Ultra take place?
The Rainforest Ultra will take place from August 29 to September 9, 2025.
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What about the other race you’re organizing?
The second race is the Bhutan Ultra. The idea came about through Mark Kelly, the photographer from the Montane Yukon Arctic Ultra. His friend Steven was involved in a project to revive the Trans Bhutan Trail. They talked about organizing an ultra-race on that trail, and we started discussing it before the pandemic. The project was paused during the pandemic but was relaunched in March 2024.
I visited Bhutan in November 2024 to meet with people there and hike the trail myself. The Trans Bhutan Trail has been officially reopened, and the press has covered it well. We hope to hold our first race there in November 2025.
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Will the race cover the entire Trans Bhutan Trail?
We won’t be doing the entire 403 kilometers of the Trans Bhutan Trail. We’re focusing on the 200 kilometers of the eastern section.
Would you do the entire trail in the future?
Never say never (laughs). The issue with Bhutan is similar to Brazil; it must be a stage race due to wildlife like tigers and bears. While it felt safe, you do encounter paw prints, but it’s very unlikely that participants would see the animals. A nonstop race over 400 kilometers would be feasible, but as a stage race, it would be quite long, and I’m unsure how many people would be willing to commit to that. Moreover, Bhutan requires a daily tax of $100, which could make a long race quite expensive. For now, I’m happy with the 200 kilometers!
In Bhutan, we’ll all stay in the same area each night, either in a tent camp or a hotel. The race will explore the less-developed eastern region, which offers a very different experience from the more touristy west. The west, with its castles and temples, will be part of the acclimatization process before the race starts.
What is the deadline to sign up for either race?
The final sign-up date for both races is a month before the race starts. Entry fees increase in steps over time, so if participants sign up early, they’ll pay a lower fee. For the Rainforest Ultra in Brazil, the entry fee starts at €2,500 for the 100-kilometer race, and €3,000 for the 200-kilometer race. In Bhutan, the price depends on the itinerary. The 17-day itinerary costs €5,490, which includes all logistics, food, accommodation, and taxes. While it’s not cheap, it’s very competitive compared to other ultra races and typical travel costs in Bhutan.
Is there anything more you’d like to share about these races?
I’m really excited to organize races in warmer climates for a change! Bhutan may still be cold at night, with temperatures dipping to -10°C, but the daytime temperatures are pleasant, especially during uphill sections. It’s a great time of year to race, and nothing like the -40°C of an Arctic Ultra! I’m also excited to bring people to Brazil and share the beauty of a region I’m more familiar with.
I’m considering offering a shorter distance for the Bhutan Ultra to make it more accessible for people who are interested in hiking it and will take a bit more time completing the trail. Bhutan is a photographer’s dream, with stunning temples, castles, and villages—there’s so much beauty that you’ll want to stop and take photos constantly.
How is the race sponsorship going?
Montane is a sponsor again for the Yukon Arctic Ultra andI was just able to announce a new title sponsor for the Lapland Arctic Ultra. It’s the Swedish brand Bright Equipment. We’re still looking for sponsors for the races in Bhutan and Brazil. Sponsorship is essential to organizing these events, whether it’s title sponsors, main sponsors, or supporters offering discounts or products.
We work with volunteers and local people during the race. In the medical crew are people I know and can work with well. The rest of the crew will come from the respective countries. Both races require quite a bit of support, in Brazil and Bhutan we will have crews of 60 to 80 people involved every day for about 50 athletes. Organizing these races takes a lot of manpower, from the medical crew to volunteers, guides and so on, in each country. It’s a huge effort, and safety is always a priority.
How does your family handle your extended absences?
My wife is incredibly supportive. She’s always known this lifestyle. For the Brazil race, she can join me and visit family there, which is a bonus. However, she doesn’t handle altitude well, so she won’t be joining me in Bhutan. Bhutan will be tough due to the altitude, and anyone without prior high-altitude experience should choose the longer itinerary to acclimatize properly.
Some final words?
If you’re considering either of these races, Bhutan and Brazil are both incredibly special places, and the races will showcase some of the world’s most beautiful and remote regions. Whether you’re racing or hiking, they’re experiences not to be missed.
https://bhutan-ultra.com/
https://lapland.arcticultra.de/
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