Killarney adventure racer Kevin Leahy is going to attempt to ski 475km across the Arctic next month.

The proprietor of the Black Sheep Hostel on New Street is no stranger to adventures races in the world’s coldest climates.
Back in 2022 he contested both the Lapland Arctic Ultra and the Yukon Arctic Ultra.
Those two adventure races resulted in the documentary ‘1000kms of chaos’.
Filmed over two years by local videographer Adrian McCarthy, against the challenging restrictions of the pandemic, provided a deep insight into what it takes for an amateur Irish Ultra Runner to train for, prepare and complete in the toughest challenge anyone could imagine.
Not one to rest on his laurels, the long-distance runner is set to do it all gain only this time on skis only.
He has entered the Arctic Spine Race which gets under way in Kungsleden, Sweden on February 6.
“Having never skied more than 30km in one go this promises to be yet another huge challenge for my body mind and spirit,” he said.
He is competing in the event to raise funds and awareness for AsIAm - Ireland's Autism charity,
“I've been ambassador for this charity for two years and now and I'm constantly amazed by the changes I see them making in peoples’ lives,” he added.
“Being neurodiverse, I feel it's very important to support this great charity in their mission to create a more inclusive society.”