2025 Antarctic Polar Race

The 2025 Antarctic Polar Race, scheduled for December 10, 2025, takes place at Wolf's Fang runway in Antarctica—one of the most remote and extreme racing locations on Earth. In December, Antarctica experiences its summer season, though temperatures still plummet to approximately −8°C (18°F), with fierce winds and intense dry conditions creating a uniquely challenging environment. Participants will compete on a groomed loop course set across snow and ice, surrounded by dramatic Antarctic scenery, as part of the Antarctica Athletics Championships. This event combines the ultimate endurance challenge with an extraordinary travel experience, featuring a seven-day itinerary that begins in Cape Town, includes the Antarctic race, and concludes with an optional marathon in South Africa—allowing runners to complete marathons on two continents within a single expedition.

What race distances are available at the Antarctic Polar Race?

• →1-mile race
• →10K race
• →Half marathon (21.1 km)
• →Marathon (42.2 km)

What is the marathon course layout in Antarctica?

The marathon course uses a groomed loop format near Wolf's Fang, with the specific configuration adjusted based on weather conditions. Runners complete either two 21.1 km loops or approximately four 10.55 km loops to reach the full marathon distance of 42.2 km. The route is set on snow and ice with views of the Antarctic landscape throughout.

What were the results from the 2025 Antarctic Polar Race?

Men's Marathon Results:

• →Ger Copeland (Ireland) – 3:56:57
• →Bib No 56 (Australia) – 5:44:47
• →Simon Wall (Great Britain) – 6:16:53
• →Ryo Kobayashi (Japan) – 6:51:40
• →Inba Rajendran (India) – 6:57:50

Women's Marathon Results:

• →Lindsey Pugh (USA) – 5:46:34
• →Carolyn Corgel (USA) – 6:31:30
• →Stephanie Dorah (USA) – 6:48:00
• →Martha Klueh (USA) – 6:57:50

Men's Half Marathon Results:

• →Roberto Bettega (Italy) – 2:25:55
• →Ken Box (USA) – 3:28:29

What is the Antarctica Athletics Championships connection?

The Antarctic Polar Race serves as the official host venue for the Antarctica Athletics Federation's marathon-distance championships. The event features separate men's and women's categories at the marathon distance, with results officially recorded by the Antarctica Athletics Federation, which tracks athletic achievements across both Antarctica and the Arctic regions.

How many participants joined the Polar Marathon Club through this event?

Three participants joined the 7 Continents Marathon Club through the 2025 Antarctic Polar Race event.

What is included in the Antarctic Polar Race entry fee?

• →Race entry in Antarctica
• →Round-trip flights between Cape Town and Wolf's Fang runway (Antarctica)
• →Entry to the Lion's Head Marathon in Cape Town
• →Souvenir items including medals, t-shirts, singlets, patches, and gymsacs
• →Professional photography and video for personal use

When will entry fee details be announced?

Entry fee details will be available by December 1, 2025.

What is the Lion's Head Marathon and how does it connect to the Antarctic race?

The Lion's Head Marathon takes place on the Sea Point Promenade in Cape Town following the return from Antarctica. The course uses multiple loops in front of the Winchester Hotel, allowing participants to complete two official marathons on two continents within one trip. Entry to this marathon is included at no extra race-entry cost for Antarctic Polar Race participants.

What is the complete seven-day itinerary?

Day 1: Arrive in Cape Town

Day 2: Event briefing

Day 3: Departure preparations

Day 4: Fly to Antarctica and race day

Day 5: Return to Cape Town

Day 6: Lion's Head Marathon in Cape Town

Day 7: Return home

(Note: This itinerary is subject to weather changes and logistical adjustments.)

What are the expected weather conditions in Antarctica during the race?

Antarctica in December experiences summer conditions, but temperatures still reach approximately −8°C (18°F). The environment is extremely cold, dry, and windy, requiring specialist clothing and preparation. Participants must be prepared for harsh polar conditions and potential weather-related delays or course modifications.

What are the main safety and environmental considerations?

The Antarctic Polar Race operates under strict environmental protocols established by the Antarctic Treaty. The organizers apply polar safety procedures developed from extensive experience in the region. Mandatory medical evacuation insurance is required (arranged by organizers at no extra cost), and trip cancellation/interruption insurance is strongly recommended. Participants must acknowledge risks including extreme weather, frostbite, hypothermia, delays, and logistical challenges by signing a waiver and assumption of risk.

What are the event rules and requirements?

• →Events are categorized by male and female divisions
• →Participants must follow all instructions from the Race Director and medical personnel
• →Time limits will apply (details to be announced)
• →Participants must be in excellent health and consult a doctor before entry
• →Participants must sign a waiver acknowledging the dangers and risks

What documents are needed to participate?

• →Valid passport that extends beyond the return date
• →Visa for South Africa if applicable to your nationality
• →No visa is required specifically for Antarctica
• →Possible vaccination documents depending on current regulations

Who organizes the Antarctic Polar Race?

The Antarctic Polar Race is operated by Polar Running Adventures, which has pioneered polar running for approximately 20 years. The organization has taken around 1,400 adventure athletes from 70 countries to remote polar locations. Polar Running Adventures specializes in running events in both the Arctic and Antarctica, working with leading polar logistics operators worldwide and holding unmatched expertise in both polar regions.

Who is the Race Director?

Richard Donovan serves as Race Director and founded the Antarctica Athletics Federation. He has led roughly 40 expeditions as organizer and group leader to the North Pole and Antarctica. Donovan was the first person to run marathons at both the North and South Poles (in 2002), holds a record for running marathons on seven continents in approximately 4 days and 22 hours, has completed transcontinental runs, and has served as Race Director for major international ultramarathons.