Latest news with #AntarcticaMarathon
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Yahoo
Penguins, storms, and high waves: What's it like to run a marathon in Antarctica
'Hold on tight. It's gonna be wet. And it's gonna be bumpy.' Our Zodiac driver Steven Rose, who goes by Steve, doesn't sugarcoat it. I grab the line to my left and slide my goggles over my eyes. The sea is choppy, and the water is a deep, intense blue that sends chills down my spine. The temperature is around 5°C (41°F), but the 30-knot winds hitting my face make it feel much colder. As soon as Steve accelerates, the swells hit those at the front of the boat. I grimace: Running a marathon is hard enough without starting it wet. But Steve goes full throttle, squinting his eyes against the wind. It's 7:48 a.m. on March 28, 2025. After three days anchored in the Beagle Channel thanks to a storm, we've finally made it across the Drake Passage. Now, we're heading on our Zodiac to King George Island. In less than an hour, we'll be running the Antarctica Marathon. It hasn't been a smooth journey. Setting foot on King George Island, the largest of the South Shetland Islands—75 miles off the coast of the Antarctic Peninsula—took nine days, 22 hours, and 57 minutes. For me, the journey began in Switzerland, where I took the first of three flights heading toward Ushuaia, the world's southernmost city, also known as the End of the World. Four days later, as I boarded the Ocean Albatros with the rest of the Marathon Tours and Travel group (MTT), which consists of 151 runners from 23 nations (97 men and 54 women). The excitement was palpable. MTT has organized the Antarctica Marathon since 1995, the same year the Seven Continents Club was founded to celebrate runners competing in half-, full-, and ultra-marathons across every continent. This year marked the 30th anniversary of the race, adding an extra layer of celebration. But the sea had other plans. Category 2 hurricane winds of up to 100-miles-per-hour and waves of 12 meters were forecasted in the Drake, the notorious body of water between South America and Antarctica. Just a few hours after leaving Ushuaia, expedition leader Mike Scotting grabbed the microphone for his daily briefing. 'We'll anchor at the mouth of the Beagle and wait for the system to pass,' he said. The room descended into silence as we began to wonder if we'd be able to make the marathon. 'I don't believe you need to be a captain to understand that you don't sail through a Category 2 hurricane. It's common sense,' says Captain Konstantinos Giannopoulos. (Why every trip to Antarctica should inspire action) One day at anchor turned into three, with restlessness growing among the runners eager to stretch their legs. Suddenly, the two treadmills we had on board became the most valuable treasures to seek. But despite, or perhaps because of, the uncertainty of the situation—and the confinement of a 340-foot-long ship—people bonded. We swapped stories of past adventures—and of what brought us to this one. Lionel Cavalliere from Paris was running a marathon for every single letter of the alphabet. Karen Carter, from Thailand, started running in 2014 and has so far run around 70 half-marathons—now she's looking to run a marathon on every continent. Wiktor Rozmus from Poland and Kevin Currie from San Francisco are pursuing the Polar Challenge, which involves running a marathon at both poles. Sudhakar and Tulasi Tolla are the first couple from India to have completed the Five Majors (the most prestigious marathons in the world) together. This September, they could become the first couple to run on all seven continents. 'In India, running isn't a major sport, but we want to inspire others,' says Sudhakar. 'We don't have a coach; we just run four times a week and always run together.' Afowiri Fondzenyuy runs marathons wearing a Toghu, a 28-pound traditional dress from Cameroon. His purpose: Not just highlighting his culture, but raising money for causes. Most recently, he has been raising money to start an intervention center for autism in Cameroon. His oldest daughter is on the spectrum. As soon as Scotting and Captain Giannopoulos announced that we will cross the Drake at the end of the third at anchor, every marathoner on board looked ecstatic. Yet when night fell, my greatest fear materializes. A loud bang jolted me awake, followed by a constant slamming of objects in my cabin and throughout the ship's hull. The Ocean Albatros yawned from port to starboard and rhythmically, relentlessly heaved up and down, its bow first banging and then slicing through what felt like a massive body of water. The infamous 'Drake Shake' had begun. The following day, amid the continuous but less violent shaking, the Ocean Albatros was quiet. Most people remained in their cabins, feeling unwell. Nevertheless, our expedition leaders continued their lecture programs, giving lessons on photography, ornithology, and even tectonic plates. Halfway through the second day of crossing, we spotted the first iceberg, and—at last—by day's end, we cried, 'Land ho!' We were now just one sleep away from our challenge. (Scientists reveal a hidden world beneath Antarctica's ice where rivers flow uphill) On race day, when Steve delivers us ashore, we're welcomed and escorted to the race start by a group of curious and puzzled Gentoo penguins. We swiftly move toward the bag-drop zone, where a set of large green tarps, secured by a series of heavy rocks on top, serves as a drop zone for our bags and nutrition. Due to the strict no-footprint policy to protect this delicate environment, wraps, plastic bags, and raw seeds are prohibited. All our energy gels had to be transferred into water bottles or flasks beforehand. These are just a few of the restrictions and protocols necessary for organizing a race in Antarctica. Others include limiting the number of people allowed on landing sites simultaneously to 100 and requiring the organizers to engage with the various scientific bases on King George Island through which the race snakes (Uruguay, China, Russia, and Chile). 'We spent years engaging with regulatory bodies and leading scientists to ensure we operate within the regulations, objectives, and requests of the IAATO, the Antarctic Treaty, and various bases,' says Jeff Adams, president of MTT and race director. As an experienced runner, he completed the same marathon as a client in 2013 and completed the Seven Continents challenge in 2019. On race day, he's the one who sets us loose. When we start running, the energy built up during the long days at sea is finally released. We cheer for each other; we are both runners and supporters at the same time. The island is rugged and rocky, except for a few containers and laminated structures near the landing site and research bases. Only the shorelines provide a bit of color to an otherwise harsh landscape. The first part of the racecourse winds along muddy roads through the Chilean Base and towards the island's small airport (also used for emergencies). We then turn left and head to the Great Wall Station and the 'China Turnaround,' the midpoint of lap one set at mile two. The return to the start line is more challenging and wind-battered, but the out-and-back stretch allows us to support one another through the struggle. After only one lap, I feel my legs stiffen and a sharp acidity in my quads, likely due to the limited movement on board and the seasickness pills. The excitement had caused us to start running much too quickly for the demands of the marathon, but I still have five laps to go. But I enter a state of flow: I stop checking my watch and pacing, and everything around me is enveloped in a bubble that exists only in this moment. I see the other runners striding through the winding course and hear their labored breathing, along with the cracking sound of trail shoes gripping the loose stones. I sense the fabric of my gloves growing damp, and I can feel one of my right toenails touching the front of my shoe as I run downhill. I smell the pungent, briny scent of the sea and the geosmin released as I maneuver through the mud. I keep running despite the pain. I breathe in, breathe out, open my chest, and look ahead. The mantra takes hold, and I move forward, trying to keep the marathon demons at bay—one step at a time. (The brain has a secret survival trick to endure a marathon) 'On lap six, I had this moment of like, can I finish? That was a crack for me, and I'm a crier. That's how I show my emotions. I cried but couldn't breathe. It was really hard,' says Stephanie Kortan (from Atlanta). 'I had to turn inward and walk. I took some deep breaths and told myself you can do hard things. You can do this. You don't want to run 24 miles and not finish. You have to run 26. Two more to go. Two.' We both finished, and tears filled our eyes afterward. We didn't just complete a marathon in brutal conditions; we accomplished it in Antarctica at the end of an epic adventure that had transformed us. At that moment, I understand the addictive nature of exploration. At the end of these odysseys, you're left on an emotional rollercoaster, filled with a heightened sense of curiosity and a desire for more exploration and adventure. It's still cold and windy on King George Island. I'm sweaty and need a hot shower. I zip up my blue parka and put on my rubber boots. I jump onto the Zodiac, struggling with cramps. Someone else is at the helm of the boat, and it's time to say goodbye to the island. The adventure is nearly over, but I'm sure I'll return for more. Antarctica is calling loudly. This story was created with the support of Marathon Tours and Travel and Marathon Tours and Travel UK. Nick is a freelance journalist based in Switzerland. Born and raised in the Italian Alps, he has dreamed of writing for National Geographic since he was 15. Prior to that, his sports and travel stories were published in The New York Times, The Washington Post, the BBC, and The Guardian.
National Geographic
09-05-2025
- National Geographic
What it's like to run a marathon beyond the end of the world
'Hold on tight. It's gonna be wet. And it's gonna be bumpy.' Our Zodiac driver Steven Rose, who goes by Steve, doesn't sugarcoat it. I grab the line to my left and slide my goggles over my eyes. The sea is choppy, and the water is a deep, intense blue that sends chills down my spine. The temperature is around 5°C (41°F), but the 30-knot winds hitting my face make it feel much colder. As soon as Steve accelerates, the swells hit those at the front of the boat. I grimace: Running a marathon is hard enough without starting it wet. But Steve goes full throttle, squinting his eyes against the wind. It's 7:48 a.m. on March 28, 2025. After three days anchored in the Beagle Channel thanks to a storm, we've finally made it across the Drake Passage. Now, we're heading on our Zodiac to King George Island. In less than an hour, we'll be running the Antarctica Marathon. It hasn't been a smooth journey. Setting foot on King George Island, the largest of the South Shetland Islands—75 miles off the coast of the Antarctic Peninsula—took nine days, 22 hours, and 57 minutes. For me, the journey began in Switzerland, where I took the first of three flights heading toward Ushuaia, the world's southernmost city, also known as the End of the World. Four days later, as I boarded the Ocean Albatros with the rest of the Marathon Tours and Travel group (MTT), which consists of 151 runners from 23 nations (97 men and 54 women). The excitement was palpable. MTT has organized the Antarctica Marathon since 1995, the same year the Seven Continents Club was founded to celebrate runners competing in half-, full-, and ultra-marathons across every continent. This year marked the 30th anniversary of the race, adding an extra layer of celebration. But the sea had other plans. Category 2 hurricane winds of up to 100-miles-per-hour and waves of 12 meters were forecasted in the Drake, the notorious body of water between South America and Antarctica. Just a few hours after leaving Ushuaia, expedition leader Mike Scotting grabbed the microphone for his daily briefing. 'We'll anchor at the mouth of the Beagle and wait for the system to pass,' he said. The room descended into silence as we began to wonder if we'd be able to make the marathon. 'I don't believe you need to be a captain to understand that you don't sail through a Category 2 hurricane. It's common sense,' says Captain Konstantinos Giannopoulos. (Why every trip to Antarctica should inspire action) One day at anchor turned into three, with restlessness growing among the runners eager to stretch their legs. Suddenly, the two treadmills we had on board became the most valuable treasures to seek. But despite, or perhaps because of, the uncertainty of the situation—and the confinement of a 340-foot-long ship—people bonded. We swapped stories of past adventures—and of what brought us to this one. Lionel Cavalliere from Paris was running a marathon for every single letter of the alphabet. Karen Carter, from Thailand, started running in 2014 and has so far run around 70 half-marathons—now she's looking to run a marathon on every continent. Wiktor Rozmus from Poland and Kevin Currie from San Francisco are pursuing the Polar Challenge, which involves running a marathon at both poles. Sudhakar and Tulasi Tolla are the first couple from India to have completed the Five Majors (the most prestigious marathons in the world) together. This September, they could become the first couple to run on all seven continents. 'In India, running isn't a major sport, but we want to inspire others,' says Sudhakar. 'We don't have a coach; we just run four times a week and always run together.' Afowiri Fondzenyuy runs marathons wearing a Toghu, a 28-pound traditional dress from Cameroon. Photograph by Page Chichester/Albatros Expeditions Afowiri Fondzenyuy runs marathons wearing a Toghu, a 28-pound traditional dress from Cameroon. His purpose: Not just highlighting his culture, but raising money for causes. Most recently, he has been raising money to start an intervention center for autism in Cameroon. His oldest daughter is on the spectrum. As soon as Scotting and Captain Giannopoulos announced that we will cross the Drake at the end of the third at anchor, every marathoner on board looked ecstatic. Yet when night fell, my greatest fear materializes. A loud bang jolted me awake, followed by a constant slamming of objects in my cabin and throughout the ship's hull. The Ocean Albatros yawned from port to starboard and rhythmically, relentlessly heaved up and down, its bow first banging and then slicing through what felt like a massive body of water. The infamous 'Drake Shake' had begun. The following day, amid the continuous but less violent shaking, the Ocean Albatros was quiet. Most people remained in their cabins, feeling unwell. Nevertheless, our expedition leaders continued their lecture programs, giving lessons on photography, ornithology, and even tectonic plates. Halfway through the second day of crossing, we spotted the first iceberg, and—at last—by day's end, we cried, 'Land ho!' We were now just one sleep away from our challenge. (Scientists reveal a hidden world beneath Antarctica's ice where rivers flow uphill) The marathon On race day, when Steve delivers us ashore, we're welcomed and escorted to the race start by a group of curious and puzzled Gentoo penguins. We swiftly move toward the bag-drop zone, where a set of large green tarps, secured by a series of heavy rocks on top, serves as a drop zone for our bags and nutrition. Due to the strict no-footprint policy to protect this delicate environment, wraps, plastic bags, and raw seeds are prohibited. All our energy gels had to be transferred into water bottles or flasks beforehand. These are just a few of the restrictions and protocols necessary for organizing a race in Antarctica. Others include limiting the number of people allowed on landing sites simultaneously to 100 and requiring the organizers to engage with the various scientific bases on King George Island through which the race snakes (Uruguay, China, Russia, and Chile). 'We spent years engaging with regulatory bodies and leading scientists to ensure we operate within the regulations, objectives, and requests of the IAATO, the Antarctic Treaty, and various bases,' says Jeff Adams, president of MTT and race director. As an experienced runner, he completed the same marathon as a client in 2013 and completed the Seven Continents challenge in 2019. On race day, he's the one who sets us loose. When we start running, the energy built up during the long days at sea is finally released. We cheer for each other; we are both runners and supporters at the same time. The island is rugged and rocky, except for a few containers and laminated structures near the landing site and research bases. Only the shorelines provide a bit of color to an otherwise harsh landscape. The Antarctica Marathon covers terrain that can be surprisingly muddy. Photograph by PageChichester/Albatros Expeditions The first part of the racecourse winds along muddy roads through the Chilean Base and towards the island's small airport (also used for emergencies). We then turn left and head to the Great Wall Station and the 'China Turnaround,' the midpoint of lap one set at mile two. The return to the start line is more challenging and wind-battered, but the out-and-back stretch allows us to support one another through the struggle. After only one lap, I feel my legs stiffen and a sharp acidity in my quads, likely due to the limited movement on board and the seasickness pills. The excitement had caused us to start running much too quickly for the demands of the marathon, but I still have five laps to go. But I enter a state of flow: I stop checking my watch and pacing, and everything around me is enveloped in a bubble that exists only in this moment. I see the other runners striding through the winding course and hear their labored breathing, along with the cracking sound of trail shoes gripping the loose stones. I sense the fabric of my gloves growing damp, and I can feel one of my right toenails touching the front of my shoe as I run downhill. I smell the pungent, briny scent of the sea and the geosmin released as I maneuver through the mud. I keep running despite the pain. I breathe in, breathe out, open my chest, and look ahead. The mantra takes hold, and I move forward, trying to keep the marathon demons at bay—one step at a time. (The brain has a secret survival trick to endure a marathon) 'On lap six, I had this moment of like, can I finish? That was a crack for me, and I'm a crier. That's how I show my emotions. I cried but couldn't breathe. It was really hard,' says Stephanie Kortan (from Atlanta). 'I had to turn inward and walk. I took some deep breaths and told myself you can do hard things. You can do this. You don't want to run 24 miles and not finish. You have to run 26. Two more to go. Two.' Runners celebrating finishing the Antarctica Marathon. Photograph by PageChichester/Albatros Expeditions We both finished, and tears filled our eyes afterward. We didn't just complete a marathon in brutal conditions; we accomplished it in Antarctica at the end of an epic adventure that had transformed us. At that moment, I understand the addictive nature of exploration. At the end of these odysseys, you're left on an emotional rollercoaster, filled with a heightened sense of curiosity and a desire for more exploration and adventure. It's still cold and windy on King George Island. I'm sweaty and need a hot shower. I zip up my blue parka and put on my rubber boots. I jump onto the Zodiac, struggling with cramps. Someone else is at the helm of the boat, and it's time to say goodbye to the island. The adventure is nearly over, but I'm sure I'll return for more. Antarctica is calling loudly. How to do it Marathon Tours and Travels offers two voyages each year for those interested in running a marathon, half marathon, or ultra-marathon on King George Island. The package includes three nights at a 5-star hotel in Buenos Aires with daily breakfast, a guided city tour, flights to and from Ushuaia, airport transfers, three meals per day on the ship, and finisher medals. Prices start at $10,280 per person, and the race entry fee is $250 per person. How to get there The package does not include flights to and from Buenos Aires, where MTT will meet and greet the group, allowing participants to rest for a couple of days before the next leg of the journey to flight times from the US: 10-11 hours. When to go MTT organizes the voyages at the end of Antartica's summer season. Voyage 1 in 2026 will take place from March 3 to 16, and Voyage 2 from March 13 to 26, 2026. More info Marathon Tours and Travel Antarctica Marathon This story was created with the support of Marathon Tours and Travel and Marathon Tours and Travel UK. Nick is a freelance journalist based in Switzerland. Born and raised in the Italian Alps, he has dreamed of writing for National Geographic since he was 15. Prior to that, his sports and travel stories were published in The New York Times, The Washington Post, the BBC, and The Guardian.
Time of India
05-05-2025
- Time of India
Tourists in trainers: Meet the marathon globetrotters
1 2 For seasoned runners, international races aren't just about qualifying for a major marathon or chasing a new personal best – they're also a chance to explore new destinations on foot. 'Vacations have now turned into runcations,' says marathoner Upendra Tripath. While experts credit the trend to a post-pandemic focus on health, for most runners, it's simply a way to blend running with a well-earned vacation. WHAT IS MARATHON TOURISM Marathon tourism refers to travelling to different destinations specifically to participate in marathons and other long-distance running events . It allows runners to merge their passion for the sport with the opportunity to explore new cities and cultures. This surge in interest has given rise to destination marathons , offering participants the chance to race through scenic landscapes while enjoying local traditions and warm hospitality. WHY ARE RUNNERS CHOOSING MARATHON TOURISM? Able to plan family trips Mumbai-based Dr Krunal Thakker, who has been engaged in marathon tourism for a few years, says, 'Due to work commitments, I am unable to spend much time with my son. This way, we can travel for marathons while combining them with holidays. It has even inspired my wife to become a marathon runner, and now my 14-year-old son is training as a 5K runner.' Thakker, who ran his first international marathon in Prague, adds, 'We usually plan our holidays around marathons. At present, I am preparing for the London Marathon, where all three of us will be participating in different categories. After the race, we will continue our holiday, which allows us to spend quality time together as a family.' Shift from pub-hopping tours to fitness-focused travel Speaking about the participants, Gauri Jayaram, who organises marathon tours, says, 'The majority of marathon tour participants are amateur runners who train for the events, not elite athletes. While a significant number of participants are solo male travellers from India, there's a growing number of solo female travellers and a broader age range, including younger participants. There is a shift from pub-hopping tours to fitness-focused travel among younger travellers. ' Dr Krunal Thakker at the Berlin Marathon last year (left); Upendra Tripathi recently completed the Antarctica Marathon in April (middle); and Gauri Jayaram participates in and also organises marathon tours (right) SURGING DEMAND Experts report a 5X surge in Indian participants engaging in marathon tourism post-COVID. Gauri expresses, 'In 2019, we had around 75 runners for the Berlin Marathon , one of the World Marathon Majors. By 2024, this number had grown to 450 participants running with us. From this year, the Sydney Marathon joins the World Marathon Majors and will take place in August 2025, where we expect to take a few hundred participants.' TIPS FOR MARATHON TRAVELLERS - Train adequately before travelling - Choose reputable travel companies specialising in marathon tours - Prepare for local weather conditions - Carry race day equipment in your hand luggage - Keep an emergency contact readily available in the host country ( as suggested by Gauri Jayaram ) PREPARING WELL IN ADVANCE Tripathi, who recently completed the Antarctica Marathon in April, explains that preparation depends on the destination and the marathon's difficulty. 'For Antarctica, I had to register a year in advance due to a waitlist. However, for marathons in Sydney or Rio, planning for marathon tourism can typically begin six months ahead.' He adds, travelling with the help of marathon tourism operators makes on-ground logistics easier for runners. 'A lot of logistical planning is required, from choosing the race location and securing accommodation near the start line to selecting the closest city and exploring local attractions. Tour operators largely handle these arrangements.' 'Marathons are a great way to see new places on foot' Speaking to us, actor Milind Soman states that marathon running tourism has grown phenomenally over the last few decades, especially in India, and shows no signs of slowing down. He shares that while his travel plans are largely centred around marathon events, if there are none, he and his wife, Ankita Konwar, create their own plans. Milind Soman, who has long been a fitness icon, states that his travel plans always coincide with running, cycling, or swimming events. He tells us why combining travel with marathons is a good idea: "International marathons are a great way to see new places on foot, feel the energy of the city, and interact with people from all over the world. It is exciting, fun, and can be enjoyed with friends and family. You can always include regular travel experiences such as sightseeing, concerts, and food experiences before and after the event. ' 'Mass participation events are the best way to promote a fitness culture. You see people from all walks of life, of all ages and abilities, truly enjoying life to the fullest—which is the real objective of getting fit,' Milind shares adding, 'It is inspirational and inclusive, and these two factors have significantly contributed to the growth of distance running across the world.' He shares how they balance sightseeing and recovery after an international race: "As regular runners, we mostly run for fun because we enjoy long-distance running rather than chasing a specific time. It's still an effort to run 42 km, but not an intense one. A good night's sleep is usually enough for recovery. We might even trekking the next day, as we did after the London Marathon a couple of years ago—taking a train to Scotland the following day to climb Ben Nevis. ' Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
