R A C E I N F O R M A T I O N

Welcome to the Antarctic Polar Race®, home of Antarctica's premium marathon.

The race is held in the interior of Antarctica at White Desert’s premium basecamp, Wolf’s Fang.

Continental titles will be on offer in male and female categories. Participants have a choice of full marathon, half marathon, 10km and 1km options.

Athletes will fly from Cape Town to Antarctica and run a fully official marathon at the end of the Earth. Few ever complete the challenge and privilege of running a marathon on the remote 7th continent of Antarctica.

Upon return from Antarctica, there is a second, optional marathon: The Lion's Head Marathon. It is hosted at the spectacular Seapoint Promenade in Cape Town, South Africa. It incorporates a six-loop course that enables athletes to complete two official marathons on two continents in the same trip.

SCHEDULE

How we get you to Antarctica:

You’ll meet us at the Winchester Hotel, our event HQ in Cape Town, for pre-race briefings. The flight time Wolf’s Fang on mainland Antarctica is approximately 5.5 hours to Wolf’s Fang Antarctica.

Dec 5nd: Arrive in Cape Town

Dec 6th: Pre-race briefing

Dec 7th: Antarctic logistics briefing

Dec 8th: Antarctica Polar Race

Dec 9th: Arrive back in Cape Town

Dec 10th: Lion’s Head Marathon (Optional)

RACES

Pick your challenge. Every finisher earns an official medal and a place in Antarctic running history.

Full Marathon (42.2 km)
Half Marathon (21.1 km)
10K
1 Mile

ENVIRONMENT & SAFETY

Operating in strict accordance with the Antarctic Treaty’s Protocol on Environmental Protection, we are committed to preserving the natural beauty and wildlife of Antarctica.

Environmental tourism guidelines ensure that we leave nothing behind but footprints and take nothing back but memories.

With our extensive knowledge and experience, we prioritize safety precautions when venturing into the frozen continent to run.

Join us on a journey to explore one of the world’s last untouched wildernesses while maintaining the utmost respect for its delicate ecosystem.

ANTARCTICA

Antarctica is the southernmost continent on Earth, known for its extreme cold, vast ice sheets, and unique ecosystem. It’s the driest, highest, and windiest continent on earth, with temperatures that can plummet well below freezing.

Antarctica has no native human population and is primarily inhabited by scientific researchers. This remote continent is governed by the Antarctic Treaty System, which promotes international cooperation for peaceful and scientific purposes. We expect our race temperatures to be -8C, though participants should be prepared for it being colder.

MARATHON ROUTE

Marathon Route: 8 loops of a 5.275km course around Wolf’s Fang. Loop. Marathon loop counts subject to change.

P R I C I N G

An entry fee of €18,500, payable in one installment.

If you prefer to pay in 2 installments the entry fee is €19,500.
(A deposit of €6,500 to secure your spot with a final installment of €13,000).

The entry fee includes round trip flights from Cape Town to Antarctica, participation in the Antarctic Polar Race®, medical evacuation insurance, visit to the glacial crevasse in Wolf's Fang, race merchandise, race medals and optional entry to the official Lion’s Head Marathon in Cape Town on return from Antarctica.

It does not include international flights from your homeland or accommodation in Cape Town.

QUESTIONS? BOOK CALL

GET A €200 DISCOUNT

FAQ

What is the Antarctic Polar Race®?

The Antarctic Polar Race incorporates distances from 1 mile to the standard marathon distance. In 2026, the event will host the Antarctica Athletics Federation Championships over the 42.2 km marathon distance. Continental titles are on offer in male and female categories.

Who arranges the Antarctic Polar Race?

Enrolment for the Antarctic Polar Race® and Lion’s Head Marathon is handled by Ice Cap Adventures Ltd. under license by Richard Donovan / Polar Running Adventures. See the ABOUT US section for details.

How do I get to the Antarctic Polar Race?

You’ll meet us at the Winchester Hotel, our event HQ in Cape Town, for pre-race briefings. The flight time to Wolf’s Fang on mainland Antarctica, from Cape Town, is approximately 5.5 hours. The GPS coordinates of Wolf’s Fang are 71° 32′ ” South 8° 50′ East.

Is the Antarctic Polar Race official?

Yes. The Antarctic Polar Race is a full member of the Association of International Marathons & Distance Races (AIMS) and approved by the Antarctica Athletics Federation.

What date does the Antarctic Pole Race take place ?

The 2026 Antarctic Polar Race is scheduled for December 8th 2026. The Lion’s Head Marathon will take place on December 10th.

Can anybody take part in the Antarctic Polar Race?

Yes. Everyone is welcome to take part (subject to medical fitness), whether you are a top athlete seeking to win an Antarctica continental title, or just hoping to cover a particular distance and knock Antarctica off your bucket list.

What distances are on offer in the Antarctic Pole Race?

Competitors have a choice of competing in a 1-mile race, 10k, half-marathon, and full marathon.

Is the race field limited?

Yes, there is a limited race field capacity in accordance with aircraft capacity constraints and safety factors. Entries are accepted on a first come first served basis. Sign up today to reserve your place!

What is the entry fee for the Antarctic Polar Race?

An entry fee of €18,500.

If you prefer to pay in 2 installments the entry fee is €19,500. (A deposit of €6,500 to secure your spot with a final installment of €13,000).

What is included in the race entry fee?

Included in the Entry Fee

Entry to both the Antarctic Polar Race and Lions Head Marathon, which includes aid
stations, medical support, and official timing as per any regular stand-alone marathons.
Round trip flights by private jet from Cape Town to Antarctica to compete in the Antarctic
Polar Race.
Meals and drinks on flights.
Antarctica emergency evacuation cover.
Professional photos for personal use, including social media posts and local media.
Medals and certs for successful completion of each race.
Antarctic Polar Race and Lion’s Head Marathon merchandise.
Tour of Wolf's Fang glacial crevasse
Access to Wolf's Fang's lounges and world-renowned Ice Bar

Not Included in the Entry Fee

Flights & travel costs from your home to Cape Town.
Hotel costs in Cape Town, including if there are delays to the schedule. Participants are
advised to book accommodation in Cape Town from at least December 5th to 9th (or
December 10th if you plan to complete the Lion’s Head Marathon)
Trip cancellation insurance.
Medical insurance – all participants are required to have their own medical insurance for the trip outside of emergency evacuation cover for Antarctica.

Is there a time limit for the Antarctic Polar Race?

Yes. The time limit for 2026 is 8 hours. It’s a groomed course, with a solid surface, fully prepared before arrival.

Is the course groomed?

Yes, the course will be groomed in advance of arrival with fully manned aid stations and logistical and medical support during the event.

What is The 7 Continents Marathon Club?

The 7 Continents Marathon Club™ recognizes athletes who have completed a marathon on all 7 continents. The Club has been operated by Polar Running Adventures® for almost two decades. See the official website for more details.

What is the Antarctica Athletics Federation?

The Antarctica Athletics Federation® is the governing body for athletics in Antarctica. The Federation also monitors records and performances in the Arctic, specifically at the North Pole. In 2026, the Antarctic Polar Race is proud host of the Antarctica Athletics Federation Championships over the marathon distance.

What gear should I wear?

Registered participants will be given advice on appropriate clothing for Antarctica.

Will there be media coverage of the Antarctic Polar Race®?

We anticipate global news coverage for the Antarctic Polar Race / Antarctica Athletics Federation Championships. There will be official photographers and videographers to document your journey.