On 18 November 2014, the tenth Antarctic Ice Marathon will take place at 80 Degrees South, just a few hundred miles from the South Pole at the foot of the Ellsworth Mountains.
This race presents a truly formidable and genuine Antarctic challenge with underfoot conditions comprising snow and ice throughout, an average windchill temperature of -20 degrees Celcius, and the possibility of strong Katabatic winds to contend with. Furthermore, the event takes place at an altitude of 700 metres.
Run a Marathon on the Most Desolate Place on Earth
The UVU Antarctic Ice Marathon is the only marathon run in the interior of the Antarctic, and is organised by Polar Running Adventures, the organiser of the annual UVU North Pole Marathon and UVU Volcano Marathon.
The 5-day itinerary will see competitors fly by private jet from Punta Arenas, Chile, on 17 November to the marathon location at Union Glacier, Antarctica. A marked course of 42.2km will have been prepared in advance and snowmobile support, aid stations and medical personnel will be at hand for the duration of the race.
Don’t expect to run your quickest time, however, as winds can blow from the Pole at a steady 10-25 knots (19-46 km/h). Also, forget about penguins or crowds cheering you along the route – no penguins live this far south and you will have to rely upon yourself to push onward in the hushed, indomitable surroundings.
Looking for an even Greater Challenge? Try the Antarctic 100KM Ultra Race!
The Antarctic 100km Ultra Race will take place on 20 November 2014. Undoubtedly, ‘The World’s Coolest 100’, this ultramarathon challenge is reserved for only the toughest of endurance athletes. The 100km distance will seem endless while you run under a sun that never sets against the backdrop of hills, mountains and large expanses of ice.
This race presents the only opportunity to complete a 100km event on the frozen continent, creating the prospect of a 100k Seven Continents Club for global ultra-athletes.
Registrations Are Open for 2015!
For those who prefer a half-marathon option, the Frozen Continent Half-Marathon will also be run on the day of the Marathon race. This half-marathon is your opportunity to cover 21km on the ‘White Continent’ and finish the southernmost half marathon on the planet.
The 2014 event is now sold out, but there will be two separate trips in 2015: one for the Antarctic 100k in January 2015 and the other for the Antarctic Ice Marathon/Half-Marathon in November 2015. Participants will be flown round-trip from Punta Arenas, Chile, to the Union Glacier camp in the interior of the Antarctic, receiving accommodation and food for their entire Antarctic trip and entry to their race of choice. Top class photos of each competitor in action will be distributed for personal use, as well as commemorative certificates, medals, t-shirts and patches.
Overcome the Final Great Wilderness!
Adventure marathoners and ultra-athletes are always looking for the next big challenge. Mainland Antarctica represents the last frontier, the final great wilderness to be conquered. And now adventure athletes like you can do it!
The Antarctic Ice Marathon and Half-Marathon 2014 will take place on 17 November 2014, and the Antarctic 100km Ultra Race takes place on 20 November 2014. International registrations are now open for the 2015 edition, which takes place on 15 January 2015 (for the 100km Ultra Race) and 19 November 2015 (for the Ice Marathon and Half-Marathon). The overall fee is EU€10,800 (S$17.477).
