Ran 2013. Very difficult conditions; 9 laps of a 2.9-mile (or so) loop. About half of it was perfectly runnable hard-pack snow, the other half, not so much (deep chewed-up snow, or broken ice blocks). Temperature between -20 and -30 degrees F. Little wind, fortunately.

I give the course 5 stars for pure scenery and the experience to run in such a wild place, and the challenge. I give the organization 5 stars for the first-rate manner in which all of the logistics were carried out. I give the spectators 5 stars because although there were only a half-dozen or so along the route (including one with a rifle for protection vs. polar bears) they were most enthusiastic and supportive.

Exhilarating, exhausting, and challenging, to say the least - and that's just getting to the North Pole. Truly, the run of a lifetime.

- Norm Zinker

I have just returned from the 2007 event, and it's billing as the "World's Coolest Marathon" is justified. The cold (-25C - -30C with wind chill), the terrain, and the scenery were all amazing. It was a privilege to witness the first-ever wheelchair athlete at the North Pole - Tan. The athlete was amazing. If you think you get a bit tired after a few hours, try the 21 hours it took Tan to finish. Great athletes, great organization, and the most amazing memories shared with cracking people. Do it before you die. Ps. The food is er, interesting. Take your own. The question of "fans" is moot - there ain't gonna be any.

I ran this marathon with the expectation of its being the toughest marathon. Though this was a long, difficult and tiring marathon to run in the deep, soft snow, yet the next day the body was not as sore as after a marathon on the hard surface. Mr. Donovan did an excellent job in organizing this marathon.

An extremely challenging set of underfoot conditions: We were forced to wear snowshoes to navigate soft snow and hillocks of ice. The temperatures dipped to minus 25 C while visibility was hamperd by swirling snow, causing some runners to experience temporary snow blindness. Richard Donovan (race director) called it: "The toughest ever terrain for the race!!" You`ll never know what to expect during the North Pole adventure (Russian food, weather...). This race took runners to the limit of their endurance. Thanks for this unforgettable time in my life!