The ninth Antarctic Ice Marathon will take place at 80 Degrees South on November 20th, 2013

Adventure marathoners and ultra athletes are always looking for the next big challenge. It could be a remote desert marathon, a high altitude mountain marathon or a jungle marathon. However, mainland Antarctica represents the last frontier, the final great wilderness to be conquered.

And now adventure athletes like you can do it. Introducing the only footraces within the Antarctic Circle…… 

The Marathon

On November 20th, 2013, the ninth 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 -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 the only marathon run in the interior of the Antarctic and is organised by Polar Running Adventures, the organiser of the annual North Pole Marathon.

The five-day itinerary will see competitors fly by private jet from Punta Arenas, Chile, on November 19th to the marathon location at Union Glacier.

A marked course of 42.2km (26.2 miles) will already have been prepared and snowmobile support, aid stations and medical personnel will be at hand for the duration of the race.

• Marathon Dates at a Glance
• Course Map for 42.2km Marathon & 100k
• Testimonials from 2012 Competitors
• Accommodation Facilities in Antarctica
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Detailed Decription of the Trip 

The Antarctic Ice Marathon is the southernmost marathon on earth and a unique opportunity to complete a marathon that is truly worthy of the seventh continent. 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.

100Km Ultra Race

The Antarctic 100k ultra race will take place on November 22nd. Undoubtedly, "the world's coldest 100", this ultramarathon challenge is reserved for only the toughest of endurance athletes.

The 100k (62.1 miles) distance will seem endless, 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 100k event on the frozen continent and creates the prospect of a 100k Seven Continents Club for global ultra athletes.

Frozen Continent Half-Marathon

For those who prefer a half-marathon option, the White 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.

Antarctic Mile

If you're a speedster, or simply don't want to run long distances, the Antarctic Mile is for you. This event is also ideal for partners, family or friends of marathon participants who want to travel to Antarctica but not run double digit miles! While the 4-minute barrier is unlikely to be broken, could 5 minutes be broken, or even 6 minutes, by the fastest competitor? The Antarctic Mile will take place on November 21st.

Price

For the registration fee of €10,500, incredible value for the Antarctic, participants will be flown round-trip from Punta Arenas, Chile, to the Union Glacier camp in the interior of the Antarctic.

Competitors will also receive accommodation and food for the entire five- day Antarctic trip and entry to their races 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.

Please note: Weather problems can result in flight re-scheduling and the expected five-day trip could be shortened or lengthened accordingly.  

Mountain Climbing

It is also possible to combine your marathon trip with climbing Vinson Massif, the highest mountain in Antarctica. The Vinson climb would involve an additional two weeks in Antarctica, immediately after the marathon. 

There is a very substantial discount in combining these trips compared to registering for them as separate expeditions.

 

Contact Richard Donovan for more details.

 

Antarctic Ice Marathon