Marathon Details - Antarctic Ice Marathon

International Marathons > Antarctica > Ellsworth Mountains > Antarctic Ice Marathon

Antarctic Ice Marathon

Antarctic Ice Marathon & Half Marathon

Ellsworth Mountains, Antarctica

December 13, 2024

http://www.icemarathon.com

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Race Details

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 3,000 feet.

The Antarctic Ice Marathon is the only marathon run in the interior of the Antarctic and is organized by Polar Running Adventures, the organizer of the annual North Pole Marathon.

The eight-day itinerary will see competitors fly by private jet from Punta Arenas, Chile, on December 10th to the marathon location at either Patriot Hills or Union Glacier. A marked course of 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.

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.

Contact Information

Name:	Richard Donovan
Address:	Richard Donovan Polar Running Adventures 2 Atlanta House Dominick Street Galway, IRELAND
Phone Number:	(353) 91-516644
Email:	Email the organizers

Runner Reviews (3)

Course 5.0

Organization 5.0

Spectators 5.0

Write a review

Number of comments: 3

C. C. from USA (4/4/2013) "True Antarctic running" (about: 2012) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Antarctic Ice Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I have run both the Antarctic Ice marathon and the other Antarctica Marathon held on King George Island, off the Antarctic Peninsula. Whilst both were great trips, the Ice Marathon is the only race where you get a true Antarctic marathon experience, running on the ice in one of the most isolated places on the planet, as opposed to running on the rocks and mud of King George island through permanently populated research stations. The organization is excellent, plenty of information provided in the lead up to the event. Your gear is checked before leaving Punta Arenas to ensure you have everything required. Accommodation at Union Glacier is surprisingly comfortable, with warm sleeping bags and good food (just don't expect a shower). The course is extremely challenging, not just due to the weather but also the underfoot conditions. The strongest recommendation I would make to someone who wanted to run this race well would be to train on sand, as underfoot conditions on the ice are similar. Plenty of support on race day with hot water, chocolates etc available at a number of checkpoints, as well as the opportunity to leave your own supplies that you take down with you. Camp staff and other runners are amazingly supportive down here at the end of the world. The cost of this race is obviously very high, but I can honestly say that it was worth every cent. The experience is simply like no other race, even other marathons held in Antarctica.
G. L. from Australia (12/1/2012) "A must do before you die" (about: 2012) 6-10 previous marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Finished the 8th Antractica Ice Marathon. An amazing experience in every aspect from the flight on the russian illyushin to the 4day stay at the antarctica. The entire event was exceptionally organized, Richard Donovan has done an outstanding job which is This is an expensive event but worth every cent. In my opinion, Being in the mainland is more spectacular than other antarctica event where you run along the peninsula, over slush and mud, and than return to a ship. Staying in tent for 4 days under 24 Hour daylight is an experience. This race completes my 7th continent. Eleven of us received the 7th continent club medal as well. I cannot say enough of the support of all the athletes who stayed up to support the 100km runnners who took between 12- 22 hours to complete.
J. L. from New York City, USA (5/17/2011) "Simply amazing!" (about: 2010) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Antarctic Ice Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Richard Donovan organized a fantastic race in Union Glacier (they moved the camp from Ellsworth mountains to Union Glacier as of late 2010) in the Antarctic interior close to the 80 degrees south latitude. The area they chose is still near the Ellsworth Mountains and you can see several mountains in the backdrop adding beautiful scenery reminding you that you are indeed on the land part of the Antarctic continent. Race course was very well marked, with a signpost for each mile marker and a small bright neon orange flag every 50 meters. Each of the stations had hot water, cold water, dried fruit, sunscreen, sleeping bag, etc. Before leaving for Antarctica, there is a mandatory meeting in Punta Arenas where Richard and his crew will individually inspect your Antarctic running clothing and Antarctic weather clothing. If you don't have everything, there is a duty free shopping zone in Punta Arenas (there are also NorthFace and Patagonia stores in the town.) The weather is always a huge factor so be patient. Make sure to get flexible airline tickets as you really won't know for certain how many days you will be in Antarctica. Note that there is no cruise ship for this marathon and that you'll fly roughly 4 hours from Punta Arenas to Union Glacier on an Ilyushin plane, landing on an ice runway (really awesome sight!) Overall it's a trip of a lifetime and in addition to the race itself, I had a fantastic time meeting runners from all around the world (all 7 continents were represented at the race!) Yes, 2 Antarctica residents ran the marathon!