Antarctic Ice Marathon

Races in Alaska and the rainforest may appear difficult, but they fall short of the Ice Marathon, which sees athletes attempt to complete a 100-kilometer marathon across Antarctica. The marathon begins near the South Pole and requires runners to endure temperatures of -20 degrees Celsius on average. The elevation is 3,000 feet, and the course circuit is 25 kilometers long, which participants will complete four times. The path is clearly signposted, and there is assistance available, so nothing too risky is likely to occur.

There is a minor registration cost if you are inclined to participate. Signing up costs $17,900. This includes being flown from Punta Arenas, Chile, to the Antarctic base camp. You also get three meals a day, lodging, and limitless hot beverages. Aside from the obvious difficulties of running a marathon in subzero weather, there are additional considerations to consider. For example, most runners who are unfamiliar with these conditions overdress. They begin to sweat once they are out on the ice and snow. The severe cold then freezes the sweat, increasing the danger of hypothermia. There's also a high risk of sunburn because there's no shade and the sun reflects off the snow and ice. Needless to say, this is not a race for the faint of heart.

Founder: Richard Donovan and Polar Running Adventures
Established: January 28, 1995
Location: in the interior of the Antarctic