Antarctic Ice Marathon

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.

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.

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!