The Authentic North Pole Race - Limited Places Available
North Pole Arctic Polar Race™ events
Half Marathon (21.1km)
Marathon (42.2km)
Ultramarathon (50km)
Includes the World’s Coolest Ultra Race
The Details
PROVISIONAL DATES FOR 2026
11th April 2026: Arrive in Krasnoyarsk
12th April 2026: Race Briefing
13th April 2026: Fly to Ice Camp, North Pole
14th April 2026: North Pole Arctic Polar Race™
15th April: Stand at 90 North
16th April 2026: Return to Krasnoyarsk
17th April 2026: Free to Return to Homeland
ENTRY FEE
Please contact us for details. The price of this unique adventure includes a flight from Krasnoyarsk to the North Pole ice camp; accommodation and meals at the North Pole; participation in the Arctic Polar Race; a helicopter flight to exactly 90 Degrees North; the return flight to Krasnoyarsk; merchandise, professional photos and video for personal use.
How we get you to the North Pole
You’ll meet us at our event HQ in Krasnoyarsk and travel to the North Pole on an AN-74 aircraft. There are fueling stops at Khatanga and Cape Baranova en route to the floating ice camp between 89N and 90N. Following the Arctic Polar Race, an Mi-8 chopper will bring competitors to exactly 90N, the coordinates of the Geographic North Pole.
About the Organizers
Polar Running Adventures® has pioneered polar running over the past 20 years, bringing 1,400 adventure athletes from 70 countries to the most remote locations on the planet.
WE HAVE ORGANIZED ALL
PREVIOUS MARATHONS AT THE
NORTH POLE ICE CAMP
RICHARD DONOVAN - RACE DIRECTOR
Richard Donovan is the Race Director at Polar Running Adventures®. He has completed 40 trips as organiser and group leader to the North Pole and Antarctica. In 2002, he became the first person in history to run marathons at both the North and South Poles. In 2012, he set a world record for running marathons on all 7 continents in 4 days 22 hours 3 minutes. He has also completed transcontinental runs across Europe (2016), South America (2017), and the USA, twice (2015 & 2022).
A Race Director at numerous Commonwealth and World Championship ultramarathon events, Richard has additionally competed for Ireland at international level. He holds a primary degree in Classics, two postgraduate degrees in Economics, and a Doctorate l.c. in Project Management. Richard most recently co-founded the Space Athletics Federation® and is a member of The Explorers Club, a society of leading explorers.
The Marathon Grand Slam Club
The Marathon Grand Slam Club® recognizes athletes who have completed a marathon distance on all 7 continents and at the North Pole in extreme sub-zero polar conditions. The club has been operated by Polar Running Adventures® for 20+ years.
Polar Marathon Club
The Polar Marathon Club™ is operated by Polar Running Adventures and recognizes those who have run in Antarctica and the Arctic / North Pole. Members of the Polar Marathon Club are entitled to receive an exclusive Polar Medal.
Antarctica Athletics Federation
The Antarctica Athletics Federation® is the governing body for athletics performances in Antarctica, an initiative led by Polar Running Adventures. The Federation also monitors records in the Arctic, specifically at the North Pole.
Environment & Safety
Polar Running Adventures offsets all carbon emissions.
In 2007 - almost two decades ago - we were the first entity to operate a carbon neutral event at the North Pole.
With our extensive knowledge and experience, we also prioritize safety precautions when venturing onto the Arctic ice floes to run.
We have brought over 600 people to the drifting ice camp / Geographic North Pole and have a 100% safety record.
No other operator matches our experience and pioneering expertise in polar running.
Client Testimonials
About the North Pole
The Geographic North Pole is a fixed point at the center of the Arctic Circle, at 90° North, the top of the world! There is no land at the North Pole - it’s situated in the middle of the Arctic Ocean.
The Arctic Polar Race is held at a drifting North Pole ice camp in the immediate vicinity of the Geographic North Pole. We expect race temperatures to be -25C to -30C. You will be running ‘on’ water, the frozen water of the Arctic Ocean.
Although you are floating on an ocean, you will be flown any additional distance (by Mi-8 chopper) from the camp to 90N to make sure you stand at the exact Geographic North Pole.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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The Arctic Polar Race is the Authentic North Pole Race. It takes place in April at a drifting ice camp at the Geographic North Pole, and incorporates extreme sub-zero temperatures. In addition to the feature marathon event, there are half-marathon and ultramarathon (50km) options.
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The Arctic Polar Race is organized by Polar Running Adventures®, the world’s foremost authority on polar running. Over the past 20 years, Polar Running Adventures has pioneered polar running and brought 1400 athletes from 70 countries to the most remote locations on the planet. The race director is Richard Donovan, the first marathoner at both the North and South Poles.
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Competitors have a choice of competing in the feature Marathon event (42.2km), or a half-marathon (21.1km) and ultramarathon (50km).
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Yes. The Arctic Polar Race will be a full member of the Association of International Marathons & Distance Races (AIMS) for the calendar year 2026.
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Participants arrive in the city of Krasnoyarsk. You will be flown by AN-74 charter aircraft to the North Pole ice camp. There will be fuel stops at Khatanga and Cape Baranova en route, making it a 10-hour journey. After the race, you will be flown by Mi-8 chopper (30 mins to 45 mins approx) to stand at exactly 90N, the exact Geographic North Pole / top of the world, before returning by An-74 to Krasnoyarsk. *The trip includes accommodation in heated tents and meals while at the Pole.
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The 2026 event is provisionally scheduled for 15th April, with the full itinerary outlined below.
12th April: Arrive in Krasnoyarsk
13th April: Event Briefing
14th April: Fly to North Pole ice camp.
15th April: Arctic Polar Race
16th April: Stand at 90 Degrees North
17th April: Return to Krasnoyarsk
18th April: Free to return to Homeland
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Please contact us at polarrunningadventures@gmail.com for details.
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For the race entry fee, Polar Running Adventures will provide a flight from Krasnoyarsk to drifting North Pole ice camp; accommodation and meals at the North Pole; participation in the Arctic Polar Race; a helicopter flight to exactly 90 Degrees North; return flight to Krasnoyarsk; merchandise, professional photos and video for personal use.
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Yes. You can fly to Russia directly from many countries, including Uzbekistan, United Arab Emirates, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Egypt, Thailand, and India. You will be given an invitation letter to support your visa application.
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Yes. Everyone is welcome to take part, whether you are a top athlete seeking to win the World's Coolest Ultra, or hoping to knock the North Pole off your bucket list.
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Yes, the race field is limited in accordance with aircraft capacity constraints. Entries are accepted on a first come first served basis. Sign up today to reserve your place!
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You will be given plenty of time to finish the Arctic Polar Race, although we prefer participants finish within 12 hours.
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The Marathon Grand Slam Club® recognizes athletes who have completed a marathon distance or longer on all 7 continents and at the North Pole. The Club has been operated by Polar Running Adventures® for 20+ years. New members receive a Marathon Grand Slam Club medal and certificate. See the official website for more details.
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The Polar Marathon Club™ is operated by Polar Running Adventures and recognises those who have run in Antarctica and / or the Arctic / North Pole. Members of the Polar Marathon Club are entitled to receive an exclusive Polar Medal. The Polar Medal can also be awarded to those who have made significant contributions to polar running in various categories, including photography, cinematography, literature, research, exploration, and medical and logistical support.
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Registered participants will be given advice on appropriate clothing for the North Pole.
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We anticipate global news coverage for the Arctic Polar Race.
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Contact Race Director Richard Donovan @ polarrunningadventures@gmail.com for answers!