Race Information
Welcome to the Antarctic Polar Race, home of the first ever Antarctica Athletics Championships in 2024. Continental titles across a variety of distances and disciplines will be on offer. Participants can run a 1-mile race, 10k, half-marathon, marathon and ultramarathons of 100km and 100 miles. There will also be opportunities for a bike race and a duathlon event.
After flying from Cape Town to Antarctica, participants will be transported to a special athletes village. The location is adjacent to a unique ‘ice wall’, a majestic example of a windswept ice cliff shaped into a dramatic formation.
Three days in glamping tents on the ice will be accompanied by a festival of running and athletics events on the groomed course. Everyone is welcome to take part, whether you are a top athlete seeking to win an Antarctica continental title, or just hoping to cover a particular distance and knock Antarctica off your bucket list. On return from Antarctica to South Africa, there is an option to run a second marathon event at the spectacular location of Seapoint Promenade, Cape Town. The Lion’s Head Marathon, available at no extra cost, allows athletes to complete two official marathon distances on two continents in the same trip. From Ice to Fire.
Race itinerary
17 November: Arrive in Cape Town, Event Briefing
18 November: Pre-Departure Preparations
19 November: Fly to Antarctica, transport to athletes village
20 - 21 November: Antarctic Polar Race / Antarctica Athletics Federation Champs
22 November: Return to Cape Town
23 November: Lion’s Head Marathon, Cape Town (option)
24 November: Free to return to Homeland
About
Antarctica
Antarctica is the southernmost continent on Earth, known for its extreme cold, vast ice sheets, and unique ecosystem. It's the driest, highest, and windiest continent on earth, with temperatures that can plummet well below freezing. Antarctica has no native human population and is primarily inhabited by scientific researchers. This remote continent is governed by the Antarctic Treaty System, which promotes international cooperation for peaceful and scientific purposes. We expect our race temperatures to be a pleasant -10C, though participants should be prepared for it being colder.
Environment & Safety
Operating in strict accordance with the Antarctic Treaty’s Protocol on Environmental Protection, we are committed to preserving the natural beauty and wildlife of Antarctica.
Environmental tourism guidelines ensure that we leave nothing behind but footprints and take nothing back but memories.
With our extensive knowledge and experience, we prioritize safety precautions when venturing into the frozen continent to run.
Join us on a journey to explore one of the world's last untouched wildernesses while maintaining the utmost respect for its delicate ecosystem.
Travel to the land of ice
Our event HQ is the Winchester Hotel, Sea Point Promenade.
Participants should arrive in Cape Town by early afternoon on 17th November, at latest.
Your flight time to Antarctica is 5 hours.
On return from Antarctica, the Lion’s Head Marathon will begin on the promenade across the Winchester Hotel.
Registered participants will be given detailed advice on suitable clothing for Antarctica.