Posted on 12/08/2011 9:33:40 AM PST by DeoVindiceSicSemperTyrannis
Thirty-six athletes from 17 countries braved the sub-zero temperatures to complete the 26-mile race at the bottom of the world.
The start line for the race was at the Union Glacier Antarctic base camp in the southern Ellsworth Mountains, just over 60 miles from the South Pole.
Ahead of the race, every competitor had to have their skin fully protected from the sub-zero temperatures. Clothing included a full balaclava, goggles, gloves and mittens, long johns, waterproof running trousers and several layers of thermal clothing.
But the harsh conditions are all part of the appeal of the race.
"I guess there's a sense I suppose of dread in coming here but perversely they kind of like that," explained race director Richard Donovan. "People who run a marathon here in Antarctica often runs on mountains, in a jungle, in a desert - that's another reason for coming here they want to experience the cold."
Favourable weather produced ideal running conditions as the marathon got underway.
(Excerpt) Read more at telegraph.co.uk ...
I'm not built for running, I don't train at all, I just sign up now and then and race. Something like this could be my kind of race...
Excuse me, but isn’t it the middle of sumer in the Antarctic?
Yep, so it is only 20 below instead of 80 below.
Cheers.
Balaclava?? They wear greek desserts???
Lol!!
this sounds like missing the bus in MPLS (minus the gunfire)
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