World’s Coolest Ultra
North Pole Arctic Polar Race™ events
Half Marathon (21.1km)
Marathon (42.2km)
Ultramarathon (50km)
Duathlon (50km)
The Authentic Polar Race
The Details
DATES
12th April 2025: Arrive in Krasnoyarsk
13th April 2025: Race Briefing
14th April 2025: Fly to Khatanga
15th April 2025: Fly to Ice Camp, North Pole
16th April: North Pole Arctic Polar Race™
17th April 2025: Return to Khatanga
18th April 2025: Return to Krasnoyarsk
19th April 2025: Free to Return to Homeland
PRICING
The cost of this unique adventure is EUR 25,000. It includes a flight from Krasnoyarsk to Khatanga; an overnight stay in Khatanga; an onward flight to the Swiss-owned North Pole ice camp; accommodation at the North Pole; participation in the Arctic Polar Race; a helicopter flight to exactly 90 Degrees North; return flight to Khatanga; overnight stay in Khatanga; 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 via Khatanga on an AN-74 aircraft. There is an overnight stay in Khatanga, and a fuel stop at Cape Baranova, en route 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.
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.
Polar Marathon Club
The Polar Marathon Club™ is operated by Polar Running Adventures and recognises 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.
Environment & Safety
Polar Running Adventures offsets all carbon emissions and was the first entity to operate a carbon neutral event at the North Pole almost two decades ago.
With our extensive knowledge and experience, we prioritize safety precautions when venturing onto the Arctic ice floes to run.
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 called Barneo, drifting in the immediate vicinity of the Geographic North Pole. We expect race temperatures to be -25C to -30C.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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The Arctic Polar Race is the World's Coolest Ultra. It takes place at an ice camp at the Geographic North Pole. There are half-marathon, marathon and ultramarathon (50km) options, as well as a duathlon of 50km
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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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Yes. The Arctic Polar Race will be a full member of the Association of International Marathons & Distance Races (AIMS) for the calendar year 2025.
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Participants should arrive in the city of Krasnoyarsk on 12th April 2025.
On 14th April, you will be flown by charter to Khatanga (3-hour flight) and stay overnight at the Mamont Inn Hotel.
On 15th April, there will be a 5-hour flight via AN-74 aircraft to the North Pole ice camp where you will be accommodated in heated tents from 15th - 17th April.
After the race, and a trip by Mi-8 chopper to stand at exactly 90N, you will return to Khatanga on 17th April for another overnight stay, and then fly back to our original departure point of Krasnoyarsk on 18th April.
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Yes. You can fly to Russia directly from many countries, including Azerbaijan, China, Egypt, Thailand, Turkey, UAE and India. When you register for the race, you will be given an invitation letter to support your visa application.
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The 2025 event is scheduled for 16th April, with the full itinerary outlined below.
12th April: Arrive in Krasnoyarsk
13th April: Event Briefing
14th April: Fly to Khatanga
15th April: Fly to North Pole ice camp.
16th April: Arctic Polar Race
17th April: Return to Khatanga
18th April: Return to Krasnoyarsk
19th April: Free to return to Homeland
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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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Competitors have a choice of competing in a half-marathon (21.1km), marathon (42.2km), or ultramarathon (50km). Alternatively, there is an opportunity to compete in a Duathlon event (50km).
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Yes, the race field is currently limited to 22 participants 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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The entry fee is EUR 25,000, which can be payable in two installments.
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For the race entry fee, Polar Running Adventures will provide a flight from Krasnoyarsk to Khatanga; an overnight stay in Khatanga; an onward flight to the floating 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 Khatanga; overnight stay in Khatanga; return flight to Krasnoyarsk; merchandise, professional photos and video for personal use.
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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 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!