Overview
The Antarctic Ice Marathon (TM) is run over the classic 42.195km (26.2 miles) marathon distance. The race encompasses an individual competition, with male and female divisions. There is also an option to run a half marathon - the Frozen Continent Hal
Description
This race presents a truly formidable and genuine Antarctic challenge with underfoot conditions comprising snow and ice throughout, an average windchill temperature of -20C, and the possibility of strong Katabatic winds to contend with. Furthermore, the event takes place at an altitude of 700 metres.
The Antarctic Ice Marathon is run in the interior of Antarctica, not on King George Island outide the Antarctic Circle, and is organised by the same people who bring you the annual North Pole Marathon.
The three-day itinerary will see competitors fly by private jet from Punta Arenas, Chile, on 12th December to the marathon location at Union Glacier, Antarctica. A marked course of 42.2km (26.2 miles) will be prepared in advance and snowmobile support, aid stations and medical personnel will be at hand for the duration of the race. Competitors are scheduled to return to Punta Arenas on 14th December.
The Antarctic Ice Marathon is a unique opportunity to complete a marathon that is truly worthy of the seventh continent. You can join the exclusive 7 Continents Marathon Club by combining this race with marathons on each of the other six continents. Don't expect to run your quickest time, however, as winds can blow from the Pole at a steady 10-25 knots. 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.
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 (13.1 miles) on the 'white continent' and finish the southernmost half marathon on the planet.