New Running Records on the Frozen Continent
News Release / 22.12.2010
This sixth edition of the Antarctic Ice Marathon & 100k changed from its traditional location at Patriot Hills to an area known as Union Glacier some 40 miles away. Operated at approximately 80 Degrees South latitude and only a few hundred miles from the South Pole, the events are the only official marathon and ultramarathon races within the Antarctic Circle. The 42.2km (26.2 mile) marathon is an International Association of Distance Races (AIMS) member while the 100km (62.1 miles) is an International Association of Ultra Runners (IAU) labelled event.Unsurprisingly, simply getting the competitors to the start line is always a unique logistical challenge for the organisers. The athletes are flown from the southern tip of Chile on a specialist IL-76 cargo plane to land on a blue ice runway on the frozen continent. They are required to stay in tented accommodation on a multi-day expedition-style trip.
This year's marathon was originally due to take place on 12th December but unfavourable flight conditions delayed the Antarctic-bound flight until 13th December. On arrival at Union Glacier, the runners were greeted by absolutely stunning scenery and the constant daylight that prevails at this time of year, the Antarctic 'summer' season.
Course preparations for the Antarctic Ice Marathon are quite unique compared to a conventional road marathon. Although there may be no need for road closures in this area of the planet, crevasse-checking is a very important element to ensue runners' safety. With this in mind, a spectacular course was prepared by advance logistics, which featured a 25km loop followed by a 17.2 km circuit on a generally flat course surrounded by mountains and hills.
After a couple of days' acclimatisation by competitors, the marathon race began at 14:00 GMT on 15th December. Overcast conditions soon made way for clear blue skies and an exciting competition ensued in the sub-zero temperatures.
