I know in Fairbanks, AK, they have races down to about -50F, although they may shorten the distances when that cold.
http://www.runningclubnorth.org/lnk_cld1.htm[/URL" target="_blank">
There are winter ultra races in Alaska, Yukon, Minnesota that may take anywhere from 24+ hours to 24 days to complete. Most years, you can be sure they've got temps below 0F for part of the race.

I live in the banana belt part of AK (Palmer) and we rarely get down to -20F, but I have done races at +1F (triathlon, with swim in pool at end) and -5F (snowshoe).

The key is to wearing the right layers, and it may take some experimentation to find what works for you. Down to about 15-20F, usually a single layer and maybe a shell will work. Below 0F or if windy, I'll use layers and a face mask or balaclava. Using good socks, like Smartwool, is critical.

For traction if needed, I'll use anything from screw shoes to ice joggers to Stabilicer Sports or Lites to snowshoes. I mostly run on trails, but will sometimes run on snow covered streets.
http://home.att.net/%7Eakrunning/TractionDev/index.html[/URL" target="_blank">
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Screw shoes are the most convenient if conditions are appropriate, like not much loose snow.

About the only thing that stops me from running outside would be ice (esp. water on top of ice, which is a tractionless surface) or heavy winds (70mph, I have run in these, but it's an exercise in futility and sowmewhat hazardous around trees that may blow down). I'll snowshoe run in snow and if the snow is deep enough, I may xc ski, but not in really cold weather (my waxes, like paraffin, combined with my poor technique have little glide when it gets below 0F).

Enjoy! It's coming soon, if not already where you are.

I live just a little south of you. I tend to be a bit warm-blooded. I'm in shorts down to about 32F. I find running quite comfortable until about 10 to 15F. I'll still run down to 0 to -5F but it takes me a little more prep. Wind, of course, can make it much worse. And the worst is freezing rain - right around 32 with rain/sleet/snizzle is really tough.

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Well, there's an Antarctica marathon, so it seems you can run in pretty cold weather. Actually, that one sounds like fun.

I've run in 4 degrees at the coldest and was fine. I even had to pull up my ski mask when my face got too warm.

quote:<HR>Originally posted by LeftRightRepeat:
And the worst is freezing rain - right around 32 with rain/sleet/snizzle is really tough.

<HR>

/agree!

As they say... "There is no bad weather, only bad clothes!" I think "they" are Norwegians or something, but I love this mantra.

I agree with the other posters, you dress for it and even on the coldest days (3*F is the lowest I've run in I think) you will warm up and might even have to peel a layer.

As far as YakTrax.... those things saved my running last winter here in Colorado. The best $30 I've ever spent on running gear. Just awesome. Be sure to get the "Pro" version.
Carrie

I've run at -30 C. As long as you're properly layered, you'll be fine. I've seen runners out there at -48 C.

But then, we're not known as Crazy Kanucks for nothing.

Just a couple of winter running notes:

I like to wear socks on my hands in lieu of gloves or mittens, which always get my hands too warm when running. With socks (just short ones), I can take them off and roll them up in my hands and keeping them like that is just about right when it's 0F to 10F.

In the teens and twenties, I like to wear a cap with a visor, but not a baseball cap. Since you get hot when you run, if you trap the heat with a knit hat or even a thin baseball cap, you may overheat quickly. I find a visor cap allows the heat to escape. I start with a hood pulled over my hat for the first mile or two and pull that back as I warm up. The cap keeps my forehead from getting exposed and sweaty - a bad combination in the cold.

And a note about extremes. Health experts advise against exerting yourself in extreme temperatures. I avoid hard workouts in the extemes, but won't avoid running an "easy" workout when it's 100F and humid, or 15F below 0 and windy - I'll just make sure I'm taking it easy. If there's no enjoyment in it at all, you've probably found your lower (or upper) limit.

Just getting out on a running path and seeing others out there enjoying themselves is what made me realize I was placing stoopid restrictions on myself.

Oh, c'mon! Nobody's representing MN!? The coldest I've ever run was -60F with wind-chill at 4:30 AM. I came home to find out almost all the local schools and some of businesses were closed because of wintery advisory whatever... I felt quite dumb. That was the only time I can remember that I literally saw icicle forming on the tip of my nose.

A few tips from me; I like to wear something close to my skin--if there's air layer, that chills. If clothes, even wet, is against my skin, it stays somewhat warm. Sometimes I wear long sleeves T-shirt with tight no sleeves T-shirt (lately most of my old T-shirts feel tight...) to press it down.

I cut off the foot part of old cotton socks and wear them between socks and pants to keep my ankles warm. Works great!!!!!!

Start out slow and pick up the pace later; if there's any wind at all, make sure you run into the wind in the first half and come home with the wind; if you can, find a loop and run around and round (so you can quit any time you want).

If done sensibly, running in the cold winter is much safer than running in hot summer heat and humidity.