About the North Pole
The Arctic is the northernmost region of Earth, normally defined as the area within the Arctic Circle, a line of latitude approximately 66.5° north of the Equator.
Within the Arctic Circle, there is at least one day per year where the sun is above the horizon for 24 continuous hours (summer solstice); and at least one day where it is below the horizon for 24 continuous hours (winter solstice). The Circle marks the boundary of where these polar days and nights occur in the Northern Hemisphere.
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.
We expect our race temperatures to be -25C to -30C, though participants should be prepared for it being colder.
North Pole Accommodation
The Arctic Polar Race is held at a floating ice camp called Barneo, drifting in the immediate vicinity of the Geographic North Pole. The GPS coordinates of the camp are between 89º and 90º North. The camp is established in April when the sea ice is robust enough for a plane to land following the continuous polar winter nights.
Participants in the Arctic Polar Race are accommodated in heated tents, typically eight or ten to a tent. There is also a large mess tent where drinks and food are served and people typically hang out when not running or resting.
North Pole Transport
The AN-74 aircraft is the plane of choice for transport to the North Pole ice runway. The aircraft’s engines are mounted above the wings, enabling short takeoff and landing (STOL).
An Mi-8 chopper brings athletes to the exact Geographical North Pole from the camp.
