Antarctic Ice Marathon is a 42.2km + Ultra 100km ultra marathon in Union Glacier, Antarctica. Distance: 100km. Elevation: 200m D+. Difficulty: challenging (Challenge Rating 35/100). DNF rate: 10%. Time limit: 24h. Surface: snow. Established 2006.
Antarctic Ice Marathon
Union Glacier, Ellsworth Mountains, Antarctica
"Run at the bottom of the world. An ultra on Antarctic ice at 80° South, in permanent daylight and -20°C."
The world's southernmost ultra — run on Antarctic ice at 80°S in perpetual daylight surrounded by mountains and endless white.
The Course
Run on a blue ice runway and compacted snow surface at the foot of the Ellsworth Mountains at 80°S latitude. The course is a flat loop at an altitude equivalent to 1,200m due to the polar atmosphere. The 100km ultra option adds extended loops across the ice.
flat
multi-loop
2
Runner Experience
Remote course with widely spaced aid points. Runners should be prepared for long unsupported stretches.
A legendary finish line atmosphere. Antarctic Ice Marathon is a bucket-list race with celebrations that match its reputation.
Race Day Weather
-20°C
-30° – -10°
30%
5%
Constant polar conditions — extreme cold, 24-hour daylight in November. Wind chill can push effective temperatures well below -40°C.
Stats & Records
2006
30
10:00:00
Entry
EUR 15,000
January
months
Lore & Trivia
The Antarctic Ice Marathon is run on Union Glacier in the interior of Antarctica — the coldest, driest, highest continent on earth. At 80° South, approximately 1,100km from the South Pole, runners race a marathon distance on compacted snow and ice at -20°C with 24 hours of daylight. The logistics are extraordinary: runners fly from Punta Arenas, Chile, on a military transport plane. The race exists purely as a bucket-list experience — a chance to run a marathon on the seventh continent in one of the most hostile environments humans have ever visited.
- ▸ Runners must fly to Antarctica from Punta Arenas, Chile on a specially chartered flight.
- ▸ At 80° South, the effective altitude is around 1,200m higher than actual altitude due to atmospheric thinning at the poles.
- ▸ The race takes place in 24-hour daylight — the sun circles the horizon without setting.
- ▸ The entry fee of €15,000 includes flights, accommodation in Antarctica, and all logistics.
- ▸ Fewer than 500 people have ever completed a marathon on the Antarctic continent.
Running a marathon on the seventh continent, on ice, at minus 20. The medal is secondary — the experience is everything.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Antarctic Ice Marathon? +
Antarctic Ice Marathon is a 42.2km + Ultra 100km (100km) ultra marathon with 200m of elevation gain. The course is multi-loop on snow terrain.
How hard is Antarctic Ice Marathon? +
Antarctic Ice Marathon is rated challenging with a Challenge Rating of 35/100 (Moderate). The DNF rate is 10%. Runners have 24 hours to finish.
What is the weather like at Antarctic Ice Marathon? +
Average temperature is -20°C (range -30°C to -10°C) with 30% humidity and a 5% chance of rain. Constant polar conditions — extreme cold, 24-hour daylight in November. Wind chill can push effective temperatures well below -40°C.
Are crew and pacers allowed at Antarctic Ice Marathon? +
No crew access is permitted. Pacers are not allowed. Mandatory gear is required.
What is the average finish time for Antarctic Ice Marathon? +
The average finish time is 10:00:00. About 30 runners finish each year. The DNF rate is 10%.
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