Oxford lecturer in 1,000-mile race across Alaskan wilderness

A thrill-seeking lecturer is taking part in a 1,000 mile (1,600km) race across the Alaskan wilderness.

Mark Hines, a senior lecturer in exercise physiology at Oxford Brookes University, set off on the Iditarod Trail Invitational race on 25 February.

The race began near Anchorage, Alaska's largest city, and takes competitors across rugged and unforgiving terrain in sub-zero conditions.

Mr Hines aims to reach the finish line in the city of Nome within 30 days.

He is one of only three British competitors among the 105-person-strong field.

Ahead of the race, Mr Hines said: "The Iditarod Trail Invitational is the toughest of the Arctic ultra endurance races, and by far the most remote."

He added that conditions were expected to be "particularly challenging" this year, with deep snow and warm temperatures, which would "combine to make for slow progress during the first week or two".

Alaska, the largest US state by area, is predominantly wilderness - and is home to the highest mountain in North America, Mount Denali.

Mr Hines said it was a "privilege to move across the landscape, alone but for nature", and that he was looking forward to "great opportunities to enjoy seeing the northern lights dancing overhead".

The landscape is home to wolves, lynx, moose and bears - although the latter will be in hibernation during the race.

The lecturer, who leads a fieldwork module in which students are put into demanding environments, said his mind would be "preoccupied with identifying the various tracks that cover the ground".

The race is the human version of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, which began in 1973.

Participants can choose to cycle, ski or travel the route on foot, and must be completely self-reliant.

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