Posted: December 14, 2005

Athletics: Record Race Field for 2006 North Pole Marathon

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.

There are still a couple of places remaining for those thinking of the North Pole in the run up to Christmas. The race currently features in the 2006 Guinness Book of World Records and is a member of the Association of International Marathons and Road Races (AIMS). A leading international sports photographer will photograph the race and television documentary plans are in place. For more details visit www.northpolemarathon.com.

Prior to the North Pole Marathon, a sister race of the event known as the Antarctic Ice Marathon will be launched in the interior of the Antarctic in January. The Ice Marathon is the southernmost marathon in the world and the only marathon within the Antarctic Circle. Details of the race can be found at www.icemarathon.com. The second edition of the event, which also features a 100k race for ultra athletes, will take place in December 2006.