Anavo Founder Takes on a 230km Arctic Ultramarathon for Charity

As part of Anavo’s fundraising for our Charity of the Year, The Care Workers’ Charity, our Founder Ed Moore is taking on one of his toughest challenges yet – a 230km ultramarathon across Swedish Lapland.

Facing daytime temperatures as low as –40°C, Ed will battle across vast snowfields, Arctic tundra, and frozen lakes in one of the world’s most exposed endurance races. This Arctic ultramarathon will push both physical and mental resilience to their limits, demanding endurance, determination, and strength in some of the harshest conditions on Earth.

We sat down with Ed to talk about the race, what drives him to take on extreme challenges, and why raising vital funds for care workers and the wider care sector means so much to him.

You’re taking part in an ultramarathon in Arctic; can you tell us more about the challenge?

The challenge is organised by a company called Beyond the Ultimate, who specialise in ultramarathon events in extreme environments around the world. They keep the races deliberately small because of the logistics and safety involved; there are around 50 participants in this one.

The race itself is around 230 kilometres over five days, and it’s largely self-sufficient. That means you carry all your own food, clothing, and equipment, and you’re responsible for getting from point A to point B each day. One of the longest stages is around 65 kilometres, including crossing a frozen lake, which will be as much a mental challenge as a physical one.

Have you done anything like this before?

Yes, this isn’t my first ultramarathon. I previously completed the Highland Ultra in Scotland, which was 125km over three days across very remote terrain. That one was pretty brutal, lots of climbing, very little in the way of paths, but I loved it.

I’ve also done a lot of long-distance hiking over the years, including the Pacific Crest Trail, which took just over four months, as well as the Annapurna Circuit in Nepal. Endurance challenges and time outdoors have always been a big part of my life.

Where did that love for endurance and adventure come from?

I started hill walking in Scotland when I was about 16 or 17, did things like Duke of Edinburgh, and a lot of outdoor and expedition-style activities at school. Being outdoors gives you a real sense of freedom and over time, I’ve just found myself wanting to push that boundary a little further each time.

I’ve always been very aware that the time we’re physically able to do things like this is limited. There’s a quote by Socrates about not wasting your physical potential, and that idea has always stayed with me. The quote is “it’s a shame for a man to grow old without seeing the beauty and strength of which his body is capable” and it’s a powerful reminder that we have so much potential to unlock.

What is it about ultramarathons that appeals to you specifically?

They’re not really about time, they’re about managing conditions, fatigue, and adversity. With city marathons, everyone knows what a “good time” looks like. With ultras, just finishing is an achievement.

It becomes a mental challenge as much as a physical one, learning how you respond when you’re tired, uncomfortable, and outside your comfort zone. That process builds confidence. It makes you realise that if someone else can do something, maybe you can too.

Does working in care influence how you think about challenges like this?

When you work in elderly care, you’re reminded every day how precious time and physical ability really are. We support people who are later in life, many of whom have lived full, adventurous lives and I think society sometimes forgets that.

Our residents have stories, achievements, and experiences behind them. Seeing that daily does make you reflect on how you want to live your own life and to make the most of what your body and mind can do while you can.

Why was this charity chosen as Anavo’s Charity of the Year?

As Anavo has grown, it’s naturally become harder for me to spend as much time with everyone across the organisation and this feels like a way of giving something back.

Care work is physically and emotionally demanding, and the standards we set are high. Our teams give a huge amount of themselves every day, often while dealing with challenges in their own lives too. Yet, as a society, we don’t always recognise or celebrate care workers in the way we should.

This is my way of putting myself through a bit of discomfort to try and reflect that and to raise awareness and support for the people who genuinely shape others’ lives every single day.

How are you training for something like this alongside work and family life?

At the moment, I’m training six days a week. That includes swimming, cycling, weights, and around four runs a week. Some days involve double sessions, depending on how I’m feeling.

Mileage-wise, it’s around 40–50 miles per week, but the focus is really on conditioning, time on your feet, running under fatigue, and training with the pack I’ll carry during the race. It’s about preparing the body and mind to cope with prolonged effort, rather than just speed.

What do you hope people take away from this challenge?

I hope it shows that it’s worth pushing yourself whatever that looks like for you. Growth doesn’t always come from comfort.

And most importantly, I hope it helps shine a light on the incredible work done by people across the care sector every day. If this challenge can raise funds, awareness, and appreciation for that work, then every cold, difficult mile will be worth it.

This challenge is an opportunity for everyone connected to Anavo to come together and support the incredible people working in care every day. Whether by donating, sharing Ed’s journey, or cheering him on from afar, every show of support helps make a real difference.

To follow Edward’s progress, support the challenge, and help us raise vital funds for our Charity of the Year, please click here for the Just Giving page.