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."
Score Breakdown
Based on distance, vertical gain per km, terrain difficulty, weather extremes, historical DNF rate, and race format.
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.
Experience ratings are based on runner reports, race reviews, community feedback, and editorial assessment. Scenery reflects the visual quality of the course. Organization covers aid stations, logistics, and communication. Community measures the atmosphere, inclusivity, and camaraderie among runners.
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
25%
20
100%
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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