A found farewell and a warm welcome...
With the conclusion of the 2024 season also came the end of Martin and Sue Likes time at the helm of the 6633. Earlier in 2023 they had both made the decision that it was time to take a back seat and handover the baton to another team.
The 6633 would not exist if it wasn't for Martin and Sue. The madcap idea to race up the Dempster born out of a lifelong passion for adventure, racing and laterally, cold weather! So many people have passed through their care and guidance since the first race in 2017 with most of them now being firm and lifelong Likey friends. Martin and Sue created a magical experience, one of the toughest out there but magical all the same.
The race was never run as a commercial venture, Martin was passionate that it was about creating an experience for the athletes, putting their needs first and making sure everyone had the best chance of achieving whatever they were in the Arctic to achieve.
I have worked with Martin on the race since 2016 and will continue to work on the race with a team of new partners (to be announced, watch this space!). Marti, in his own words
"Handing over the reins of this race to Stuart (and his fellow co-directors) was a simple decision, as the new era of the 6633 will certainly see new vibrance, dynamics and levels of organisation, but all such changes will still have the participants first and foremost in any such changes".
I am so grateful to both of them for introducing me to the race and trusting me with its future. In due course I will introduce the new Directing Team and also talk about some new adventures we will be launching in the coming years. For now, all focus is on the Classic 380 / 120 for 2025 and making sure its as epic as everyone would expect.
Martin and Sue will forever be part of the 6633, so much of them is in its DNA. There is a rumour that they may be seen in the Yukon during raise season again...
