Paddling to Victory: The Story of the 2025 Yukon River Quest Champions

At Lifesystems, we believe in the power of adventure and the importance of being prepared for whatever it brings. That’s why we’re proud to support an incredible team of paddlers who took on one of the toughest endurance races on the planet - and won.

The Race

Taking place from 25 to 28 June, the Yukon River Quest is a legendary 444-mile (715 km) race through the Canadian wilderness, from Whitehorse to Dawson City. Nicknamed the “Race to the Midnight Sun”, competitors paddle non-stop, day and night, with only one mandatory rest stop. It’s a test of mental strength, physical endurance, and self-sufficiency in one of the world’s wildest landscapes.

Meet the Team

This year's crew brought together six experienced and passionate paddlers. Between them, they had completed the Devizes to Westminster race multiple times, competed for Great Britain in Dragonboat, Canoe Polo and Outrigger events, and raced in locations across Europe, the USA and the Pacific.

Rich and Thor were Yukon River Quest veterans, both with podium finishes behind them. Pete brought decades of canoe racing experience and took the role of steersman. Jon handled navigation, with a strong background in Scottish and English ultra-marathons. Nick and Olly added strength, pace and precision from years of competing at an elite level.

Each paddler brought something unique, and their shared experience and team dynamic were central to preparing for the challenge ahead. They weren’t just teammates; they were close friends. That mattered, especially when sharing a boat for days with very little rest and no room for tension. The crew spent months training together, problem-solving together and laughing together — and that bond proved just as valuable as any piece of equipment.

Why This Challenge?

For the team, the Yukon River Quest was more than just a race. It was a test of limits, endurance and teamwork, but also a deeply personal challenge.

Nick, a former swimmer turned endurance paddler, had always looked for opportunities to push beyond his comfort zone. From rowing the Celtic Challenge overnight to completing multi-day river races across the world, this was the biggest challenge he could find.

Olly, whose background lay in high-intensity sprint sports like canoe polo, was initially unsure about such a long-distance event. But something clicked. A conversation with a friend who completed the Yukon and described how it transformed his relationship with paddling sparked a curiosity that grew into commitment.

For Jon, it was a natural step forward in a 30-year paddling journey. Having competed and coached at international level, the Yukon offered a chance to grow both as a paddler and as a person.

Pushing the Limits in Training

Preparing for the Yukon meant early starts, late nights and long hours on the water. The crew trained on rivers, lakes and coastlines across the UK, testing gear, refining food and hydration strategies, and learning how to slide across the webbing benches in the six-man canoe to switch sides without tipping the boat.

They had to adapt their routines around international race calendars, personal commitments and challenging weather. Olly, for example, balanced endurance training with sprint work as he prepared to captain Team GB at the Dragonboat World Championships just two weeks after the Yukon.

The training was also a lesson in problem-solving. From testing calorie intake systems to working out how to store essentials within arm’s reach, the team shared ideas and fine-tuned their setup. One unexpected win was discovering that bedside caddies make excellent on-board storage pouches.

Why We Got Involved

Racing through such a remote part of the world demands complete self-sufficiency. The team had to carry all their supplies, purify their own water from the river, and be equipped to survive in case of emergency, with rescues potentially taking up to 48 hours.

That’s where Lifesystems came in. We equipped the team with the specialist gear they needed to stay safe, prepared and efficient on the water. From fire starters, dry bags and waterproof first aid kits to purification tablets, rechargeable hand warmers and emergency thermal bags, our products are designed for this level of adventure.

To show our support, we also proudly branded their canoe with our Lifesystems logo, representing our shared values of resilience, preparedness and the spirit of exploration. The crew needed kit that was lightweight, reliable and easy to use in tough conditions, and we were proud to be part of their journey. Their feedback on our emergency and survival gear has been invaluable.

Facing the Challenges

One of the biggest obstacles was logistics. With crew members spread across the country and involved in various other disciplines, getting everyone in the same place was tough. Suitable training locations were also limited. The crew made the most of familiar waters like the Thames and tested wave conditions on the Severn and Poole Harbour. This preparation was vital for the lake crossings in Canada, where the water can be up to 4 km wide and behave like the open sea.

The boat itself presented its own challenges. Switching paddling sides required the paddlers to move across benches 2.5 feet wide, maintaining balance at all times. Get it wrong, and the whole crew risked capsizing. Comfort was another concern. The webbed benches were built for performance, not softness, so there was some creative kit investment to make the journey more manageable.

As the team put it, preparing for the Yukon was about doing everything you can to feel ready, even if part of you never quite will. It was about managing every detail, staying as fit and organised as possible, and trusting in your training when the race began.

The Goal - And the Result

The aim was to finish in under 48 hours. But the true goal ran deeper. It was about pushing personal boundaries, experiencing the wild, and showing what’s possible when dedication, teamwork and preparation come together.

In the end, the 2025 Yukon River Quest was cut short due to wildfires near Dawson City. For the safety of all involved, the race officially finished at the halfway checkpoint in Carmacks. But by that point, the team had already made their mark — leading from early on and maintaining their position throughout.

They crossed the line in 20 hours and 12 minutes, securing first place overall and in their class. An incredible achievement, even in a race changed by nature.

After the Race

The team took a few well-earned days in Vancouver before returning home, with early discussions already underway about coming back next year to complete the full 444-mile distance.

We were also proud to hear how well the kit performed in the field. As Olly shared:

“The kit was brilliant – great having it knowing we could rely on it and also it being lightweight and easy to pack. The first aid kits in particular were noted as being very comprehensive by the organisers during our kit check.”

From everyone at Lifesystems we simply want to say congratulations. The team showed what’s possible with grit, preparation and the right gear at their side, and we were proud to support them every stroke of the way.

You can find out more about the race at www.yukonriverquest.com. And if you’re feeling inspired, maybe it’s time to plan your own adventure.