Reuters — Fifty-five runners set out on Friday (November 24) to run two huge laps around the Union Glacier exploration camp in Antarctica – an ice marathon at temperatures of minus 25 degrees Celsius.
Clear and sunny conditions at the camp, about 600 miles (about 965 kilometers) from the South Pole, allowed the runners to cover two laps of 13 miles (about 21 kms) but they were always under observation by the organizers as competitors can quickly become affected by dehydration or cold in the Antarctic.
The runners stopped regularly for hot drinks and snacks to top up their energy and hydration levels.
Each competitor wore full-face balaclava masks, goggles, gloves, mittens, long john underwear, waterproof running pants and several layers of thermal clothing under their outerwear.
Some said they were cold as they ran into the wind but then became hot and sweaty as they ran with the wind behind them.
Denmark’s Frank Johansen was the men’s winner in a time of three hours 37.46. He was followed home by David Weeks of USA.
The women’s winner was Kelly McClay of USA with Gulay Varan of Great Britain and Turkey second.
All 55 runners finished the course and 14 of them qualified for the seven continents marathon club, having run a marathon on each continent.
Next year’s event will be run at the same location in early December.
2017 Men’s Antarctic Ice Marathon Results
1 Frank Johansen (DEN) 3:37.46 hrs
2 David Weeks (USA) 3:46.38 hrs
3 Gertjan Verdickt (BEL) 3:56.45 hrs
2017 Women’s Antarctic Ice Marathon Results
1 Kelly McClay (USA) 4:56.37 hrs
2 Gulay Varan (GBR/TUR) 5:11.18 hrs
3 Megan Lind (USA) 5:16.08 hrs