The North Pole marathon sent runners onto drifting sea ice at the Arctic’s geographic North Pole, where organizers said 23 athletes from seven countries took part in what they billed as the “world’s coolest marathon.” The race was staged on ice far above the usual marathon route, with competitors traveling from Norway aboard the French polar vessel Le Commandant Charcot.
Once they reached the site, runners stepped off the ship and covered laps of a 1,055-metre loop laid out on the ice. They wore thermal clothing and life vests, which organizers required for safety. Armed guards were also positioned around the perimeter to watch for polar bears while the races were underway.
The North Pole marathon produced winners in both the men’s and women’s events. Denmark’s Rikke Dam took the women’s title in 6:54:02, while Wang Shengxian of China won the men’s race in 3:52:22. Organizers said the course was gone within hours after the event ended, as the ice shifted and disappeared.
