Pole of Cold Marathon 2025

• Race in Oymyakon, one of Earth's coldest inhabited places, offers a unique challenge.
• AIMS-certified course ensures adherence to international marathon standards.
• Features electronic timing and diverse race categories, including marathon and half marathon.
• Attracts celebrities and professional athletes, enhancing its prestige.
• Requires preparation for extreme cold, with appropriate clothing and gear.

The Pole of Cold Marathon is a truly extraordinary endurance event held in one of the harshest climates on Earth: Oymyakon, Russia. This village is renowned as the coldest inhabited place in the world, offering marathoners the unique challenge of navigating freezing temperatures that can plummet below -50°C (-58°F). The marathon course winds through the stunning yet stark Siberian landscape, where icy roads and snow-covered terrains test the limits of each participant's physical and mental stamina. Often regarded as more of an expedition than a traditional marathon, the Pole of Cold Marathon demands specialized gear and a high level of preparedness from its runners. Adventurers and athletes who dare to take on this course are rewarded with breathtaking views of a winter wilderness untouched by time and an unmatched sense of accomplishment. This one-of-a-kind race is not just a test of speed, but of sheer willpower and resilience against nature's most formidable conditions.

North Pole Marathon

Experience the ultimate running adventure at the North Pole Marathon, where you'll tackle the unique challenge of racing across Arctic ice floes. This extraordinary course unfolds on the frozen waters of the high Arctic Ocean, presenting runners with a landscape like no other—marked by uneven ice surfaces and the occasional crack, all under the shadow of extreme cold.

Starting and finishing at the Geographic North Pole, the marathon loops around one of the most remote and awe-inspiring locations on Earth. At sea level, the course might lack elevation changes, but it more than compensates with its unpredictable terrain and biting sub-zero temperatures.

Participants face the daunting reality of running in one of the planet's most isolated spots, testing both their physical and mental endurance. Completing this marathon is not just about crossing the finish line; it's about embracing a once-in-a-lifetime experience at the top of the world.

Visiting Oymyakon, in the Sakha Republic of Russia, offers an unparalleled adventure for those seeking the thrill of the Pole of Cold Marathon. Beyond the race itself, this remote village provides an immersive cultural experience against the backdrop of its famously frigid climate.

Travelers to Oymyakon can expect a journey filled with breathtaking landscapes, such as the Tomporuk Pass and the Zayachya Petlya. The trip from Yakutsk, spanning a day and a half by car, is an adventure in itself, with routes traversing frozen rivers. Upon arrival, visitors can explore the Pole of Cold Stele, a testament to the village's status as the coldest inhabited place on Earth, and meet Chyskhaan, the "Keeper of the Cold," who shares fascinating tales of life in such extreme conditions.

Cultural experiences abound, from savoring traditional Yakutian cuisine to participating in activities like dog sledding and reindeer-drawn sled rides. For those visiting in summer, the Yhyakh festival is a vibrant celebration of Yakutian culture, featuring shamanic rituals and traditional dances. Staying in local homestays offers a warm welcome and a chance to connect with the resilient Oymyakon community. A visit here is not just about withstanding the cold—it's about embracing a unique way of life.