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Record Field for North Pole Marathon

Rob Howard / 16.12.2005

The world\'s most northerly marathon, the North Pole Marathon, is set to have a record race field of fifty athletes in 2006. This amazing race is run entirely on the frozen ice that overlays the Arctic Ocean at the geographic North Pole.

A diverse range of competitors from a dozen countries are taking part in what\'s now dubbed the world\'s coolest marathon. They range in age from 18 years to 66 years and among them is a former Olympian and world medallist as well as contestants making their marathon debut.

On 7th April 2006, entrants will be flown by private jet from Spitsbergen, Norway to a temporary North Pole camp. A course will be established that avoids breaks in the ice and large pressure ridges, and the marathon is scheduled to be underway on 8th April. Following the conclusion of the race and a photo opportunity at the precise geographic North Pole, competitors will be flown back to Spitsbergen on 9th April.

Although the sun never sets at the North Pole at this time of year, temperatures are expected to be in the region of -20C to -30C. Participants will wear three layers of clothing to contend with the frigid conditions and they will hope that winds are light. Faces will be covered with a balaclava, facemask and goggles to avoid exposure.

The North Pole Marathon, organised by Polar Running Adventures, is a truly unique marathon event. In addition to its race location at the top of the world, it is the only certified marathon run on an ocean. Some participants will be using it to achieve a marathon \'grand slam\' by running the distance on all seven continents in addition to the Arctic Ocean.